MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has dismissed 18 of its own personnel after they tested positive for illegal drugs, Director General Ronald dela Rosa said on Wednesday, August 17, in a speech in Camp Crame. 

After highlighting the police force’s gains in the so-called “war on drugs” – arrests made, drug personalities who’ve since surrendered, and suspects killed during operations – Dela Rosa stressed that they were also “waging the same war within the PNP.” 

“Napakalungkot isipin na may mga pulis nasasangkot sa ilegal na droga (It is disheartening to think that some police are involved in illegal drugs)… under my watch I will not allow this situation to worsen,” Dela Rosa said before the country’s top officials who were in Camp Crame for the 115th service anniversary of the police force. 

The 18, said Dela Rosa, tested positive for illegal drugs. Police units all over the country, including the PNP’s own top brass, took random drug tests to kickstart the campaign against illegal drugs. Those that tested positive then went through confirmatory tests. 

Aside from the 18, two other police personnel have since been suspended while 37 cases have been filed against cops for suspected links to illegal drugs. 

Another 30 police personnel – a mix of commissioned and non-commissioned officers – had earlier reported to Camp Crame after they were included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s “watchlist” of politicians, cops, and members of the judiciary with alleged links to illegal drugs. 

No cases have been filed against the 30, but the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service has been tasked to investigate them.

Dela Rosa reminded police that they were there to serve, and not to make money from illegal activities. – Rappler.com