DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The discovery that 37 out of 1,500 employees working under the city’s Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) tested positive for drugs in a surprise drug test has tarnished the city’s strong anti-illegal drugs stance. This result reveals that Davao City, home to the country’s foremost anti-drug crusader, is not immune to the influence of illegal drug syndicates.
The PSSCC, operating under the City Mayor’s Office, is responsible for coordinating and ensuring the safety and security of the city’s residents. It works closely with various law enforcement and emergency response agencies to maintain public order and respond efficiently to incidents. The PSSCC also houses employees from the Davao Ancillary Services Unit and the Civil Security Unit (CSU), among others.
The drug test results showed that some employees used methamphetamine hydrochloride (Shabu), while others tested positive for marijuana. This development has raised concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of the agency tasked with safeguarding the city’s security.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte has reiterated the city’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug use among government employees. He assured the public that necessary measures would be taken to address this issue. The City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) is involved in the investigation and will provide recommendations based on their findings. Initially, CADAC revealed that those who tested positive had performed poorly in their duties and responsibilities.
The controversy has not sat well with Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, who expressed his disappointment. “Even Davao City, where the number one enemy of illegal drugs resides, was not spared. This shows us that the problem is indeed serious and the solution is not a walk in the park,” said Barbers, chairperson of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
Reports of illegal drug use have been prevalent in many towns and provinces across the country. The Philippine National Police (PNP) values life and believes that the campaign against illegal drugs can be bloodless. Illegal drugs enter the country through various modes of transport, including seaports and airports.
Illegal drugs are rampant not just in Davao City; their prices, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), have become more affordable compared to the previous administration when the war against drugs was bloody and the supply was low.
The revelation has caused concern among Davao City residents regarding the reliability and trustworthiness of the PSSCC. Measures are being implemented to ensure that public safety and security operations remain uninterrupted and that personnel involved in critical tasks are drug-free. The city government has indicated that employees who tested positive may be offered rehabilitation programs as part of their corrective measures. Support systems, including counseling and drug education programs, are being strengthened to prevent future occurrences.
The PSSCC and other city departments are likely to adopt more stringent drug testing protocols and random checks to ensure a drug-free workplace. The PSSCC must revisit its existing policies and regulations to enhance preventive measures and ensure compliance with the city’s anti-drug stance. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining strict standards within public safety agencies and highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug use in the community.
