Key Samar officials undergo surprise drug test

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug. 12 (PNA) –- The provincial government here conducted a surprise drug test among key officials of the province during the Samar Day celebration on Thursday.

Governor Sharee Ann Tan said the surprise drug test shows support to the on-going anti-illegal drug campaign of the Duterte administration.

“I don’t want to hear that this anti-drug war only affects the ordinary people. To show that this campaign of the government applies to everyone even to us, who are in public service,” Tan explained.

Those who underwent drug test were the governor, her brother Vice Governor Stephen James Tan, provincial board members, and heads of various departments.

Drug test for employees will follow, but this will not be announced, according to Tan.

Tan said that they will consult with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) what they would do to provincial government employees who will turn positive in illegal drugs use.

“We will write a formal letter to CSC on the result of the drug test and it will up to them if what is their action and recommendations,” Tan said.

The governor added that she also supports President Duterte’s naming of government officials, who are involved in illegal drugs, explaining that the move of the President is not to embarrass the person, but to allow them to clear their names.

“This is a bold action that he did. Illegal drug is a disease that destroys not only the person who is using it, but most of all, the family. That is why I have nothing against naming personalities involved in illegal drug trade because they are given chance to explain why their names are included in the list,” Tan added.

More than 2,000 drug personalities have already surrendered to different police stations in the province.

Of this number, 1,038 persons have been interviewed by the police to find out where their sources of illegal drugs are.

The local police have also conducted 28 buy-bust operations since July 1, leading to the arrest of 34 individuals and death of five drug personalities. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR