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Over 400 Ecija police officers undergo surprise drug tests

September 29, 2024 Steve A. Gosuico 137 views

CABANATUAN CITY – Over 400 police officers, mostly chiefs of police, force commanders, intelligence operatives and members of anti-illegal drug enforcement units in Nueva Ecija were subjected to a surprise drug test in line with the Philippine National Police’s internal cleansing program.

Provincial police head Col. Ferdinand D. Germino made this announcement when he spoke as guest of honor during the 69th founding anniversary of the Nueva Ecija Press Club Incorporated headed by President Gina T. Magsanoc at the Lamarang Restaurant on Thursday.

Germino, 47, hails from Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija and belongs to the Philippine National Police Academy “Tanglaw-Lahi” Class of 1999. He assumed as Nueva Ecija top cop on September 3, 2024.

“Natutuwa ako sapagkat a day after the surprise drug test ay wala naman pong nag-positive sa naging test results at lahat naman po ay nag-negative,” said Germino, adding that another round of surprise drug test would be conducted soon for the remaining batch of police personnel in the city and municipal stations.

Germino said he would start to implement projects that will highlight for the first time the Nueva Ecija police’s “best practices” during his tour of duty here.

“Dapat ang pulis nasa kalsada, wala sa opisina, so as a pro-active measure against criminality, i-implement natin ang 85 percent ng ating kapulisan nasa kalsada at 15 percent ay nasa opisina,” he added.

Germino also announced that at least five police chiefs who have already reached their two-year tour of duty would be reshuffled as part of the PNP’s normal process. He identified the affected police chiefs as those assigned in Gapan City, San Leonardo, Talugtug, Santo Domingo and Quezon.

The new provincial top cop said he is targeting to achieve a “zero casualty” rate and a “zero election-related incident” amid all the security preparations and interactions already being conducted by the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) , with the help of partner-agencies and concerned local government units, in anticipation of the upcoming midterm polls next year.

Germino also said he plans to put up a holding area at NEPPO which he calls “PD’s Corner,” where NEPCI members can go to conduct coffee sessions or media briefings with him.

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