BJMP personnel test negative during surprised drug test

By Rowena Cruz Bureau of Jail Management and Penology of Quezon District Jail personnel during surprised drug test. (Photo from Joefrie Ang...

By Rowena Cruz

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology of Quezon District Jail personnel during surprised drug test. (Photo from Joefrie Anglo)

PAGBILAO, Quezon - All 55 members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology of Quezon District Jail tested negative during a recent surprise drug test, conducted as part of the agency's efforts to ensure a drug-free workplace. The test was carried out without prior notice to ensure its effectiveness in detecting any possible drug use among the personnel.

The initiative was based on Republic Act 9165, often known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002," which requires "random drug testing" of officials or employees of public or commercial offices.



According to a statement from its operations unit, the drug test was done on August 17 and involved all employees in the company. The results of the drug test will be kept confidential.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Labratory Division administered the test with the assistance of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Seaport Interdiction Quezon.



The collaboration between these two agencies aimed to strengthen the enforcement of anti-drug measures in seaports, specifically in Quezon Province. This joint effort ensures a more comprehensive and efficient approach to detecting and preventing drug trafficking activities through the city's seaport.

It could be recalled that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., has directed law enforcement agencies to purge themselves of personnel participating in the drug trade and to step up their efforts to combat drug trafficking.

The DILG aims to strengthen the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local government units in Quezon Province to effectively address drug trafficking. This proactive approach will not only disrupt the operations of drug syndicates but also send a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in the province.

Despite the fact that none of the BJMP personnel present at the district jail tested positive, the jail management vows to uphold the government's anti-illegal drugs agenda in its strong desire to improve internal discipline among its ranks by exemplifying professionalism and discipline at all times. (with reports from Joefrie Anglo/BJMP Quezon District Jail Official)