One hundred policemen of Negros Oriental went through random drug testing yesterday on orders of OIC provincial director Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel Jr.

Natuel sent two teams from the PNP Crime Laboratory, headed by Chief Insp. Josephine Llena, to Bayawan City, and another to Tanjay City for the surprise testing after receiving reports that some policemen there are using prohibited drugs or coddling drug personalities.

The drug tests, assisted by the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs-Special Operations Task Group, led by Insp. Jay Ryan Orapa, went smoothly but a source said one or two could test positivefor drug use.

Five policemen were dismissed from the service last year for use of illegal drugs, and one was demoted, Llena said.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commission 7 personnel are in Negros Oriental to inspect and audit the PNP roster and the firearms issued to them.

Insp. Salvador Belo III, who led the team assigned to police stations in the third district, said that, so far, all PNP personnel and firearms have been accounted for.

He urged all policemen to be role models despite reports of colleagues involved in criminal and illegal activities, or those moonlighting.

Bello also advised policemen who have live-in partners to marry them so that their children will enjoy the benefits of legitimate offspring.*JG

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