DIGOS City — More than a thousand city hall officials, department heads, regular and job order employees went through a drug testing in a 2-day surprise examination initiated by Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
In an interview, Mayor Joseph Peñas said the surprise drug tests which were conducted on two batches yield excellent results.
“The PDEA officials told me that the first batch of employees that was examined turned out negative,” he said. There were 602 officials, and employees tested on that batch, including the mayor, the vice-mayor, some city councilors and village officials.
Immediately after the long holidays in line with the celebration of the All Saints Day, Mayor Peñas called for the testing of the remaining employees where 759 heeded on the call for a drug test on Nov. 3.
“So far, we have outstanding results. The PDEA has yet to ascertain some of those tested that created doubts. It means there are employees that could be using prohibited drugs. But, let us wait for the final result,” Peñas said.
The mayor said it would be unlucky for employees that would be proven for illicit drug use, but he would do it the humane way.
Barangay councilors will compose the next batch, it was learned.
In another development, local court police and military operatives, armed with three search warrants, barged into the residents of the suspects on Sunday morning where prohibited drugs, explosives, and guns were seized in the process.
Supt. Demetrius Taypin, Digos police chief identified those who were arrested as Dexter Sevilla; Randy James Sedik a.k.a. ‘Boss Islam,’ and Lamberto Albuo, Jr. all are residents of Sitio Kibanban, Barangay (village) Sinawilan, this city. (Eldie S. Aguirre)
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