Caloocan precinct chief, 2 cops sacked for drugs

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:11:00 01/14/2011

Filed Under: Police, Illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines—Irked by reports that his men were caught sniffing drugs, Metro Manila police commander Director Nicanor Bartolome on Friday ordered random drug tests in all Metro Manila police stations.

At the same time, Bartolome ordered the relief of Police Officer 2 Armando Jimenez and PO3 Hermil Lumba of Caloocan police after the two tested positive for illegal drugs. Jimenez and Lumba were disarmed and placed under restrictive custody after the test.

Bartolome also sacked Senior Inspector Albert Ebdane, the Caloocan precinct commander, and charged him administratively for command responsibility.

“I will not tolerate any misdeeds of any of my personnel,” Bartolome said.

Meanwhile, PO1 Antonio Carmona and PO1 Elvin Tabora, who were caught on camera engaged in a pot session, tested negative for drug use but would still be charged administratively.

The random drug tests will be unannounced, Bartolome said. "It will be done at any time of the day and night. The tests will cover everyone—officers, non-commissioned personnel
and our civilian employees. No one will be exempted."

The Makati Police Station recently conducted a surprise drug test on its personnel.