BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The city government has established the Iloilo City Government (ICG) Drug-Free Workplace Committee to implement and oversee the random drug testing of City Hall employees.
This initiative, authorized under Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, aligns with Memorandum Order No. 282.
Mayor Jerry Treñas stressed that the program reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining high public service standards and promoting employee well-being.
“The conduct of random drug testing among job order and regular employees is a legal and proactive initiative to safeguard the integrity of our workforce and ensure a safe, healthy, and productive working environment,” Treñas said.
The initiative also aims to combat the harmful effects of dangerous drugs, promote accountability, and maintain a drug-free workplace.
The mayor called for full cooperation from City Hall personnel, underlining the program’s importance for community welfare and public service quality.
As a sign of leadership, Treñas announced that he would be the first to undergo drug testing, reinforcing his commitment to a drug-free workforce.
Last Dec. 26, 2024, the Iloilo City Police Office’s Criminal Detection and Enforcement Units (CDEU) arrested Arien Cadiz, 29, a City Hall employee from the Beautification Department, and her co-accused, Jennifer Marifosque, 50, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay East Baluarte, Molo.
Both suspects, identified as high-value individuals (HVI), were allegedly involved in illegal drug activities. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 120 grams of suspected shabu worth P816,000, as well as P14,000 in buy-bust money, including a marked P100 bill.
The CDEU team, led by Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot and Police Lieutenant Joelie John M. Bandojo, documented the operation using body-worn cameras.
The confiscated drugs have been submitted for analysis to the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU6), and the suspects remain in custody, awaiting formal charges under RA 9165.
Mayor Treñas said that such incidents further highlight the need for the Drug-Free Workplace Program to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of the community./PN
