PAF-Mactan Personnel Undergoes Drug Testing

About 800 to 900 personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) – Mactan underwent drug testing as part of internal cleansing underlining its zero tolerance against illegal drug use among protectors of the state.

Maj. Vivien Valerio, public information officer (PIO) of the 560th Air Base Wing of the PAF-Mactan bared a task force (TF) has been created to undertake initiatives as part of the organization’s contributions against illegal drugs such as the enforced drug testing among all its personnel.

Results have yet to reveal whether there are positive cases, said Valerio.

“In case there are some personnel found to be positive, they will immediately be discharged from the military service with forfeiture of benefits,” said Valerio during the recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers – Philippine Information Agency (AGIO-PIA7).

The PIO further said the TF on illegal drugs will regularly conduct random and mandatory drug testing to ensure that all its personnel are drug-free.

“Since the war against illegal drugs is a priority thrust of our President, this is also our way of contributing to the campaign,” said Valerio.

The PAF-Mactan has been identified as one of the military bases that have the one-hectare area for conversion to a rehabilitation center.

As the 560th Air Base Wing is scheduled to celebrate its 48th founding anniversary on September 1, a pre-anniversary motorcade is set this coming Saturday where one of its advocacies would be the campaign against illegal drugs, said Valerio.

Valerio said they are ready to augment the police in the fight against illegal drugs if needed. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)