PNP FIRES 3 COPS FOUND POSITIVE OF DRUG USE

CAMP FERNANDEZ, Sibulan -- The Regional Command of the Philippine
National Police (PNP) based in Cebu City ordered the dismissal of
three policemen assigned with the 705th Provincial Mobile Group after
laboratory tests found them positive of drugs use.

Ordered dismissed from the service effective August 3, 2004 were
Police Officers 3 Crisologo M. Polancos and Gerry D. Kho and Senior
Police Officer 1 Alberto Bilingan.

The three were found positive of prohibited drugs use following the
surprise drugs test the PNP Regional Command conducted a few months
ago.

Provincial PNP director Marciano del Mar confirmed receiving Wednesday
the separate dismissal orders resulting from the findings that the
three men were liable of the administrative charges for grave
misconduct linked to the use of prohibited drugs.

However, the three policemen can still appeal their case for review
before the Appellate Court.

Del Mar hoped the fate of the three officers would serve as a lesson
for others and their dismissal showed that the PNP does not tolerate
misconduct among its ranks.

He admitted the development will give additional negative public
impression on the image of the police.

On the other hand, del Mar believes the dismissal will send a strong
message to the public that the PNP is serious in its campaign against
prohibited drugs.

Meanwhile Director Ruben Cabagnot, Deputy Inspector General of the PNP
national command in Camp Crame, challenged all policemen in Negros
Oriental to change the bad image of the members of the police force.

Cabagnot issued the challenge to police chiefs at a briefing last week
in Camp Fernandez during the formal conclusion of the annual general
inspection of police stations throughout the province.

The Deputy Inspector-General said policemen must deliver good
performances not only during each annual general inspection but every
day.

He said his objective is to eliminate the public's perception of the
so-called Abakada image of the police.

Abakada stands for abusado, bastos, kotongero and di
kanais-nais.

Del Mar said he is 95 percent optimistic that the PNP provincial
command will maintain its honor as the Best PNP Provincial Office in
Region 7.