REDEMPTION FOR DRUG-USING COPS

These users have made themselves useful.

Four members of the Mandaluyong City police force who earlier tested
positive for shabu use are now at the forefront of a rejuvenated battle
being waged by Mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. against illegal drugs.

Abalos said turning against their former "dealers" had been one of the
preconditions set by Senior Superintendent Sukarno Ikbala, Mandaluyong
police chief, for them to remain in the local police roster.

"Information from the four men led us to the neutralization of several drug
pushers in the city," Ikbala said.

Two months ago, Abalos ordered some 230 Mandaluyong policemen to undergo a
drug-test. Two cops failed the test while two others were borderline cases.

The results of the tests are being confirmed by the Crime Laboratory of the
Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame.

Ikbala, said he is awaiting results of the crime laboratory before deciding
whether to submit the four cops to drug rehabilitation or dismiss them.

In the meantime, the four have been disarmed and were ordered to perform
light duties such as manning the sentry and exit gates of the police
headquarters located at the Maysilo Compound in Barangay Barangka.