Bacolod: More than 1,000 personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) have pledged their commitment to the agency's 'Zero Drug Tolerance Policy' during simultaneous ceremonies held nationwide. Commodore Christopher Auro, Coast Guard District Southern Visayas commander, led the oath-taking and signing of the affidavit of undertaking and pledge of commitment late Monday afternoon at the district headquarters in this capital city.

According to Philippines News Agency, the nationwide activity was also conducted at various Coast Guard stations and substations in the region in support of the latest circular issued by PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Auro said. Under the policy, the use of dangerous drugs is strictly prohibited to ensure organizational discipline, operational readiness, and public trust.

Auro emphasized that the policy bans the use, possession, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs in the workplace, during working hours, and while representing the agency. Any violation, he said, will result in sanctions. "Once a Coast Guard personnel is found positive for use of illegal drugs, it can be grounds for an administrative or criminal case to be filed against the individual who stands to be discharged or dismissed from the service," Auro said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

He added that the PCG here has coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement agencies for the conduct of regular drug tests. The affidavit signed by personnel also states that Coast Guard members will cooperate with random drug testing and support efforts to maintain a drug-free working environment.