Drug surrenderers, barangay officials, public utility drivers, and policemen underwent drug tests in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, this week.
The San Carlos City Anti-Drug Abuse Council continued its Oplan Tapok Hangyo (Taphang) in Barangay Prosperidad where surrenderers were profiled and tested for drugs on Thursday, March 4.
The drug tests also included barangay officials, employees, and tanods.
Ana Liza Macaraya, legal assistant at the City Legal Office and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council secretariat, said the drug tests covered 74 individuals.
This is in preparation for the application of the barangay to be declared a drug-free village by the Regional Oversight Committee on Dangerous Drugs-Western Visayas.
SURPRISE DRUG TEST
On March 3, at least 76 motorcycle drivers, who are members of the San Carlos Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, underwent surprise drug tests at the covered court of Barangay 3.
Lt. Roby Aurita of the city police said the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is requiring the transport group to undergo drug tests since it is also the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte that all drivers of public vehicles be drug-free.
Names of the drivers who will test positive for drugs will be submitted to the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council for appropriate action.
The local police force also underwent a surprise drug test on March 2 at the covered court of Barangay 3.
At least 53 police officers led by Lt. Col. Arthur Baybayan, city police chief, were tested for drugs facilitated by the staff of the City Health Office.
Baybayan said that the activity is in line with the internal cleansing program of the Philippine National Police where they want to make sure that law enforcers are drug-free so that the community will trust and respect police officers.
Meanwhile, Macaraya said the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council will always conduct surprise drug tests on different government offices to keep the government workplace free from drugs.*