TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has pledged full support for the filing of administrative charges against a police officer from the Palompon Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Leyte after the officer tested positive for illegal drugs.
The case stems from a targeted anti-drug test conducted on December 5, 2025, in which the police corporal yielded a positive result for shabu. Following the result, the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership directed that appropriate administrative proceedings be initiated against the officer.
PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that the move is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to maintain discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the police force.
PRO-8 said the case underscores its commitment to the PNP’s internal cleansing program, emphasizing that there is no place for personnel involved in illegal drugs. Erring officers, the regional office said, will face the full force of the law and relevant PNP regulations.
The administrative process will follow due process, ensuring that the officer’s rights are observed while reinforcing the police force’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal drugs.
PRO-8 reiterated that strengthening the campaign against narcotics begins within its own ranks, as the agency continues to safeguard public trust and internal accountability.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
