Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa praised the Defense Philippine National Police Press Corps for undergoing a surprise drug test to show their support of the PNP’s campaign against drug trafficking and abuse, reports Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“We keep on reporting about internal changes within the police forces as well as the problem on illegal drugs,” said said Arnold Bustamante, president of the Defense PNP Press Corps. “But how can we inform and educate the public if we ourselves hold questionable integrity.”
Reporters who attended Dela Rosa’s press conference on Mon, Jul 18 were informed of the drug test before the 8am flag ceremony at the PNP Regional Office on Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City.
“Let us show the public that we are clean and that they can still trust the media,” said Bustamante, as reported by Philippine Daily Inquirer.
In total, 28 journalists agreed to the drug test, while three declined because of prior professional commitments.
Bustamante also urged media companies and journalists assigned to other beats to practice what they preach by submitting themselves to drug tests.
The results of the drug test will be released today.
