Iloilo city: Top officials of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO6), led by Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, underwent a surprise drug test on Friday as part of efforts to ensure a drug-free police force. Ligan convened around 50 senior officers and unit commanders for "an emergency meeting", which turned out to be a surprise drug screening.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Ligan emphasized the importance of setting an example for the community by ensuring that the police force remains drug-free. 'For our commanders and people in Western Visayas, let us always ensure the safety of our people. To do, that we should come clean first, to have the moral ascendancy,' he stated during a short media conference.

The urine samples collected during the surprise test were immediately submitted to the regional forensic unit for analysis. If any officer tests positive, a confirmatory test will be conducted, and those found using illegal drugs will face appropriate legal and administrative action.

Ligan highlighted that the surprise drug test is part of a broader initiative to screen all PRO-6 personnel, extending beyond the usual testing required during promotions. 'The intention actually is for all the police officers of Western Visayas to undergo the mandatory drug test, apart from the requirement during their promotion. In a year, the target is all policemen in Region 6, we will drug test them,' he added.

In a follow-up interview, PRO 6 spokesperson Lt. Col. Arnel Solis noted that Ligan instructed all unit commanders to implement similar tests for their personnel. 'The intention is to ensure that the ranks of the Philippine National Police are clean when it comes to illegal drugs. They should serve as models because we are at the forefront of the campaign against illegal drugs, so we have to show that our police officers are not affected by illegal drugs,' Solis said.