LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) declares the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, headed by PCol. Julius Suriben, as a drug-free workplace on Jan. 13.

More than 300 police personnel from the provincial office, including PNP-Special Action Force and other support units, underwent surprise drug testing on Jan. 6, wherein all test results yielded negative.

The police chief in Ilocos Norte welcomes this achievement for the whole police force, citing their full commitment in their anti-drug campaign.

“Napaka-importante nito na ma-declare kami na drug-free workplace para ang moral ascendancy at credibility namin to conduct drug operations and drug-clearing operations ay mas mataas at mas lalo kami pagkakatiwalaan ng taumbayan lalo na dito sa probinsiya, kami at ang PDEA ay lead agencies sa law-enforcement when ti comes to illegal drugs, kailangan ang kapulisan ay cleared talaga sa illegal drugs,” said Suriben during an interview.

Following the declaration of INPPO, the PDEA hopes that more government agencies, local government units, and schools to follow through.

“We are hoping that next days ay makapagplano na rin sila na kailangan drug-free workplace ang offices nila,” said Agent Darnel Bacate, Provincial Director of PDEA-Ilocos Norte.

Not just as a one-time activity, Suriben said they plan to sustain their status as a drug-free workplace and maintain a clean and drug-free police force for the Ilokanos. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)