Tubod, Lanao del Norte – More than 900 employees of the provincial government underwent a mandatory drug test on May 9 at the ground floor of the provincial capitol building as the provincial leadership intensifies its campaign against illegal drugs.


The surprise test came after the weekly flag-raising ceremony at the capitol grounds.


“This is a regular program of the provincial government to ensure that our ranks are clean“, Provincial Administrator Joselito Quibranza explained.


Medical personnel from the Office of the Provincial Health were tasked to administer the tests for the regular, casual and job-order employees.


The test kits used can detect traces of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as “shabu” and marijuana in the urine samples of employees.


According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), shabu remains the top drug of choice by substance abusers, followed by marijuana and the increasingly popular drug among the rich – ecstasy.


“As part of the provincial government family, we need to identify if there are drug users in our rank and file so we can help in the rehabilitation process of these drug users. Early detection of substance abuse is also crucial in helping them escape from this deadly drug menace”, Quibranza concluded. VNL/PIO-LDN