A TOTAL of 482 personnel from the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) have so far tested negative in the surprise drug tests conducted as part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) internal cleansing campaign.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro, MCPO spokesperson, said that of the total, 446 were police officers and 17 were non-uniformed personnel (NUP). They underwent testing between January and June 2025.
An additional 19 personnel from the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) were tested on June 23, and all yielded negative results.
Villaro said the drug tests were conducted without prior notice to ensure the integrity of the process.
She could not recall the exact date the testing began this year but noted that the procedure takes only one day.
“This is part of our implementation of the Intensified Cleanliness Policy,” she said.
The program was launched in May 2021 under the directive of then PNP chief, General Guillermo Eleazar. It mandates drug testing for all personnel.
Random testing
Villaro said the drug testing program is not a one-time activity but a continuous process.
“We have regular random drug cleansing. Some personnel are tested once a year, while others are tested twice depending on their roles and risk assessments,” she added.
The testing was coordinated by MCPO’s Intelligence Unit and the Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco), ensuring strict adherence to protocols and accuracy of the results.
In 2024, a total of 758 personnel were tested: 724 police and 34 NUPs.
Of this number, one police officer tested positive for drug use and was immediately dismissed from service.
‘No exemptions’
Villaro said the MCPO aims to eventually test all 768 of its current personnel.
“Even those who were already tested may be subject to testing again if there is suspicion of drug use,” she said.
Personnel who test positive will face administrative charges and possible dismissal.
She clarified that the policy covers all MCPO units, including personnel assigned to the TEU.
“There are no exemptions. All units are required to undergo the drug test,” she said.
Villaro said the MCPO remains committed to transparency and professionalism.
“As of 2025, no one has tested positive,” she said, underscoring the agency’s effort to maintain a drug-free workforce and uphold public trust. / Trixcy Shien Cobarde, Benedicto College Intern