FOURTEEN canyoneering guides tested positive of shabu during surprise drug tests in Badian, Cebu yesterday.
The 14 were part of the 205 canyoneering guides and habalhabal drivers in the town who were given drug tests.
The result disqualifies the 14 from joining any training and orientation for accreditation.
Cebu Provincial Anti-illegal Drug Abuse Office executive director Carmen Durano-Meca said the municipality will now decide on the fate of the canyoneering guides. It was Badian who requested for the tests to be conducted.
The Badian municipal government initially invited these 205 drivers and guides for an orientation and training, a requirement for their accreditation.
It was not certain if their exclusion from the training is permanent or if they will be readmitted as guides once they are drug-free.
Suspended
Capitol suspended canyoneering activities in Kanlaob river, the water current that runs from Alegria to Badian towns, while safety guidelines and training of guides are undertaken.
Also yesterday, CPADAO conducted surprise drug tests in Consolacion, upon the request of the municipal government.
Meca said 16 Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and 15 Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personel submitted their urine samples for testing.
Meca said all personnel tested negative.
Street cleaners
In Lapu-Lapu City, 220 employees of its Clean and Green Office underwent a surprise drug test yesterday morning.
Mario Imbong, head of the Clean and Green Office, said employees and street cleaners were among those who submitted themselves for a drug test facilitated by the City Health Office (CHO).
Imbong said the employees were just told to attend a meeting at the Lapu-Lapu City Sports Complex past 8 a.m. Four employees were absent.
“It depends on the decision of the mayor if those who were absent will have to undergo a drug test, but it would be better if they do,” he said.
Imbong said the area was well-secured so none of the employees were able to go out.
He said Rolando Duero, executive secretary of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, was also there to make sure none of the employees would flee.
According to Duero, contracts of non-permanent employees will not be renewed if they tested positive, said Imbong.
Dr. Rodulfo Berame, head of CHO, said they will forward the result to Radaza.