THE SURPRISE drug test conducted on July 20 for some 42 fire department personnel in the City showed negative results.
Baguio-Benguet Fire Department Chief Fernando Joe Bangyod expressed the possibility of the public to lose their trust in the fire department if some of their personnel will be found using drugs.
Since, the drug test yielded negative results, Bangyod remained positive the department will give better to the community.
The drug testing of the fire department was conducted simultaneously with the other Cordillera fire department officials.
Of the 120 samples from provincial and municipal fire marshals and other non-commissioned officers all over the region including Baguio, none of them was positive in using prohibited drugs.
The drug testing was in accordance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs and a directive to all concerned Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) agencies, including the BFP, to conduct mandatory drug testing to their personnel.
According to Bureau of Fire Department-Cordillera Regional Director Sofia Mendoza it is the policy of the State to promote high standard of ethics in the public service.
“Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people. Truly the negative results show Cordilleran fire fighters are free from using dangerous drugs,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza added the public can fully trust and have their confidence Cordilleran fire fighters can discharge their duties in saving lives and properties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.