sinas

Ex-PNP chief leads promotion of ‘drug-free’ workplace

October 1, 2022 Alfred P. Dalizon 1289 views

A FORMER Philippine National Police (PNP) chief embarked on a “new mission”, which he did best when he was still the country’s top cop: ensure “drug-free” workplaces in compliance with Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

On Friday, retired Police General Debold M. Sinas led the “surprise” random drug testing of 71 personnel of the security and safety division of Okada Manila, located in Parañaque City, in line with the company’s effort to promote a drug-free workplace. All 71 tested negative for the presence of prohibited drugs.

The drug test was conducted by policemen-members of the PNP Forensic Group, which he said is better than any other Department of Health-certified (DOH) drug testing centers as they provide much faster test results which are very hard to alert or influence.

The ex-PNP chief, who is now managing the Okada Security Division, said he would ask the management to subject all their other personnel to a similar test.

The PNP chief from November 2020 to May 2021, Sinas oversaw all police security preparations during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) ordered by the former Duterte government to help battle the deadly COVID-19 virus during its early stages.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Hinirang” Class of 1987, Sinas also used to be the director of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) in Central Visayas and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Metro Manila.

As PNP chief, he became known for his “tough” policy against police personnel involved in illegal drug activities and drug use. He immediately fired dozens of cops who tested positive for shabu and marijuana use.

He said that he will recommend the outright dismissal of any Okada security personnel who will test positive for substance abuse in line with RA 9165.

Sinas said they are one with the national government and the PNP in promoting Article V of RA 9165, which calls for promoting drug-free workplaces. As such, he said they are ensuring that such a program will include the mandatory drafting and adoption of company policies against drug use in the workplace in close consultation and coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), labor and employer organizations, and human resource development managers.

Section 50 of RA 9165 maintains that the labor sector and their respective partners may secure technical assistance, such as but not limited to seminars and information dissemination campaigns of the appropriate government and law enforcement agencies, including the national police.

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