FOLLOW protocols when conducting illegal drug operations. Do not plant evidence or accept payola.
These were among the initial directives of newly installed Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Director Col. Roderick Mariano to the around 300 Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) members he summoned last Friday morning, June 28, 2019.
“There should be no planted evidence. That’s the directive of our PNP Chief (Director General Oscar Albayalde) and of our regional director, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Debold Sinas. We should be honest in our work,” he said.
The DEU members, who came from 50 provincial police stations in Cebu, also underwent a surprise drug test, as part of the CPPO’s internal cleansing program.
Mariano led the surprise drug test.
Those who test positive will undergo a confirmatory test. They will also be given a chance to explain since some may be taking medicines, Mariano said.
Aside from reminding them of illegal drug operations protocols, Mariano also warned police personnel against driving unregistered vehicles or driving without a license.
“Even drivers of our patrol cars must secure their licenses and OR/CR (Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration),” Mariano said.
The five police officers who were issued temporary operator’s permits after they were found to be carrying expired driver’s licenses or driving unregistered vehicles last Thursday, June 27, 2019, will be facing administrative charges for simple neglect of duty, Sinas said.
Although an erring police member may only be reprimanded and admonished for simple neglects, any formal complaint against him may affect his promotion and benefits, Sinas said. (WBS)