FIFTEEN enlisted personnel of the Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) and a Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) member tested positive for illegal drug use in a random drug test conducted by the Philippine Army (PA) since January this year.
This was barred by 10th ID commander Major General Rafael Valencia to members of the media during the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Press Corps forum at the Ritz Hotel Wednesday, September 21.
He said the division had subjected a total of 2,047 officers, enlisted personnel, and CAA to random drug test.
Of the 15 enlisted 10th ID personnel who were found positive of illegal drug use, 11 were discharged along with the one CAA staff while the four other enlisted personnel are currently undergoing discharge proceedings.
"The 16 were confirmed using methamphetamine hydrochloride, otherwise known as 'shabu.' There were three other personnel tested positive for marijuana, but nag-negative sa confirmatory test," Valencia said.
He added he will not tolerate unlawful activities under his leadership, also assuring that the division is in full support of the war against drugs campaign of the government under President Rodrigo Duterte.
Aside from doing peace and development outreach program in communities to address the root cause of insurgency, Valencia said they are also supporting other agencies in the anti-illegal drug and criminality campaign.
The 10th ID has so far arrested 62 suspected drug pushers and users and confiscated 162 sachets of suspected "shabu" and some 60 kilos of marijuana, Valencia said, adding they have also intensified combat operations against terrorism following the bombing incident along Roxas Avenue in Davao City last September 2, killing 15 people and left 69 others wounded.