BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera declared 10 police stations and four operating units of the Baguio City Police Office as drug-free workplaces on January 25.

The declaration was made after a rigorous evaluation process, including mandatory drug tests for approximately 841 personnel.

Results were uniformly negative, underscoring BCPOs dedication to maintain a drug-free workplace.

PDEA conducted thorough assessments to ensure the integrity of the entire process.

PDEA-Cordillera Director Laurefel Gabales spearheaded the unveiling of a drug-free tarpaulin marker and the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation and Commendation to personnel who played a pivotal role in achieving the milestone in a ceremony at the BCPO parking lot.

Gabales emphasized that the commitment to a drug-free workplace does not only take perseverance and hard work but also has two distinct virtues – pioneering spirit and willingness.

He thanked the city police office to the regional office for their support, particularly in the barangay drug-clearing initiatives.

“With this, we are there to escalate our campaign, expanding our focus on working with establishments, offices, and organizations that are vulnerable to the proliferation of illegal drugs and prone to drug abuse,” Gabales added.

The BCPO was declared the first highly-urbanized city drug-free police office in Northern Luzon on November 13, 2023 and has maintained a 100 percent drug-free workplace across all its police stations and operating units.

BCPO Director Police Col. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. commended the dedication of personnel and commanders for heeding his call to sustain a 100 percent drug-free workplace in all their offices.