ILOILO City – Determined to prove that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Western Visayas walks the talk on integrity, 139 of its personnel — including 19 jail wardens and its own regional director — were subjected to a surprise drug test at the regional office yesterday.
BJMP Region 6 director Senior Superintendent Jhon Montero said the unannounced test aimed to ensure no personnel is involved in illegal drug activities.
“This drug test will prove that our office is a drug-free workplace and our personnel are free from drug use. But those who would be tested positive would suffer stiffer penalty,” Montero said.
He added that the move complies with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) order to conduct surprise drug tests as part of its ongoing cleansing program among jail officers and facilities.
Montero expressed confidence that his personnel are clean.
“We just want to show the public that we are serious about internal discipline and accountability,” he said.
The testing was conducted with the assistance of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6 (PDEA-6)./PN
