PASIG City, Philippines (Eagle News) — Thirteen soldiers have turned out positive during a surprise drug test of almost 3,000 troops at Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.
They have been taken into custody and are now being investigated.
But Army Spokesman Colonel Benjamin Hao clarified that the results were “just an initial finding based on the surprise drug test led by Lieutenant General Eduardo Año, adding the confirmatory findings will be released in a week.
Hao said that the confirmatory findings show the 13 troops to be drug users; it would be “enough evidence for automatic dishonorable discharge.”
Since the army started conducting drug tests in 2012, 204 personnel have been discharged.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who’s known for his tough stance against crime and corruption, is eyeing the involvement of the military in the drive against illegal drugs.
