A CHANGE in the drug testing protocol last May led to the discovery of a police officer who tested positive for illegal drug use and subsequently went absent without leave (Awol).
During a surprise drug test in mid-May, part of the local police command’s internal cleansing campaign, an intelligence operative initially tested positive. The result was confirmed through a follow-up test.
The adjustment in the testing schedule broke the previous pattern of weekly Monday tests, which had become predictable, said Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) spokesman Lt. Col. Christian Torres in an interview with SunStar Cebu on Monday, June 30, 2025.
He explained that, following standard procedure, the officer was given 15 days to contest the result by submitting the same urine sample for re-testing in Manila, to be conducted in the presence of a chemist.
However, the corporal failed to pursue the challenge within the prescribed period.
The LCPO has since issued a Notice to Return to Work. Should the officer fail to report, his salary will be suspended and further disciplinary action will be taken.
The officer now faces charges of conduct unbecoming of a police officer and Awol.
This marks the second case in 2025 of a police officer testing positive for illegal drugs and subsequently going Awol, resulting in a salary freeze.
The first case occurred in January, coinciding with the launch of the weekly drug testing program by Police Regional Office 7 Director Brig. Gen.Redrico Maranan.
While the Monday testing protocol began in January, LCPO Director Dyan Agustin initiated the schedule shift to tighten enforcement among local police personnel.
“It’s no longer every Monday because that became a predictable pattern. As part of our internal cleansing, we decided to change the testing day. Some personnel only use drugs occasionally and those substances can leave their system within 24 hours,” Torres said.
Police officials reiterate their commitment to internal cleansing, noting that the change in testing schedule is a proactive measure to detect violations and uphold integrity within the force. / DPC