DRUG TEST IN GOV'T EMPLOYMENT A MUST

DRUG testing should be required of anyone who wants to be in government
service, said Supt. Amado Marquez Jr., Bacolod City police director.

This, after the police City Mobile Group apprehended a reported city
government employee for selling shabu Monday at dawn along the national
highway of Barangay Sum-ag, Bacolod City.

The suspect, Kevin Guinalon, 25, used the name of Michael Guadalupe,
reportedly an executive assistant for Special Projects at City Hall.

He was apprehended along with two others while they were in the act of
selling about 12 grams of shabu to a police asset.

Marquez added that government personnel, especially those considered for
promotion, should be required to undergo drug testing.

But he refused to comment on the proposal requiring all city hall employees
to undergo the test.

"Individual na iya because drug testing would be another expense. But even
in securing police clearance, one should undergo drug testing," he said.

Marquez added that the police will continue to pursue anyone engaged in the
illegal trade - whether he is a government employee or not.

Drug Situation

Meanwhile, Marquez said the drug situation in the city has not worsened.

He said, however, that there is still a need for the community to be
vigilant and for the police to relentlessly monitor and conduct anti-drug
operations.

Aside from the Drug Enforcement Unit and the City Mobile Group, Marquez said
the Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force and the Narcotics Group constantly
work with the local police in their operations.

The city police Intelligence and Investigation Branch and the various
anti-illegal drug task forces also augment the police effort to curb the
illegal drug trade in the city, he added.