11 COPS POSITIVE FOR SHABU

ELEVEN of the more than 7,000 members of hte Police Regional Office
4-A in Calabarzon region have tested positive for "shabu" use and are
now undergoing investigation and summary dismissal proceedings, PRO4-A
director Chief Supt. Jesus A. Verzosa said yesterday.

"This is part of our effort to cleanse the PRO4-A of misfits as
required by Philippine National Police chief, Gen. (Arturo) Lomibao,"
Verzosa said.

He added that a 12th policeman is also undergoing investigation for
switching his urine sample to mislead experts from the PNP Crime
Laboratory Group.

Verzosa said he has created a committee that will investigate the
erring policemen.

The committee headed by PRO4-A deputy regional director for
administration, Senior Supt. Calixto Pamplona was ordered by Verzosa
to prioritize summary dismissal proceedings against those who tested
positive for methampethamine hydrocholoride or shabu during a surprise
drug testing at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City.

Verzosa said the 12 who were reassigned to the PRO4-A Regional
Headquarters Service Group will also be closely watched.

"I have also asked the concerned heads of office and chiefs of police
to explain why they failed to detect their men who are using shabu and
also the reason why they have used it," he said.

Verzosa warned that he will apply the full force of the law against
any official who will be found trying to "cover-up" the illegal
activities of their subordinates, including those who are drug users.