THE Police Regional Office in Davao (PRO 11) said three low-ranking police officers in the region were administratively charged for their involvement in illegal drugs in the first quarter of the year.
Police Major Jason Baria, spokesperson of PRO 11, bared that a random drug test yielded positive results for the three accused.
He did not identify the erring officers and their units.
Since 2017, a total of 12 cops have been charged for their alleged links to illicit drugs. Of the 12, six were dismissed from the service.
In 2017, there were four cops involved in illegal drugs, five in 2018 and three from January to March this year.
Baria said most of them are low ranking police officers.
From January 1 to March 31 this year, 48 cases were filed for various offenses in the region. Four have been resolved.
The government has been waging an all-out war against illegal drugs since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency.
In Davao City, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Police Captain Ma. Teresita Gaspan said from December 5, 2017, up to April 9, they conducted around 1,105 operations and arrested around 1,337 involved in drugs.
Of this number, a total of 62 drug suspects were killed, 17 eluded arrest and 55 minors were rescued during these operations.
“In the 62 neutralized, a muto proprio investigation has been conducted by the internal affairs office and so far naman, lahat sila station commander, lahat ng involved, they were subjected to pre-charge investigation and then submitted counter evidence and our valid defense naman is all of these are legitimate operations and in the fulfillment of duty,” Gaspan said.
Gaspan added that they have not recorded any Davao City cop who has been involved in illegal drugs. During their random drug testing, all were tested negative from the use of illegal drugs.