FACT CHECK: Drug, psych tests still mandatory for PNP, AFP personnel

1 month ago 10

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Drug, psych tests still mandatory for PNP, AFP personnel

'Let me emphasize that the exemption granted to PNP personnel only applies exclusively for their application for a new or renewal of license to own and possess firearms,' says DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla

Claim: Active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are no longer required to undergo drug tests, psychological tests, and psychiatric evaluations.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The video bearing the claim has gained 3,100 likes, 1,700 comments, and 5,900 shares as of writing.

The video shows PNP Civil Security Group spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Eudisan Gultiano speaking before the media.

“There is a memorandum signed by our PNP chief on the exemption for the requirements for drug tests and psychological and psychiatric evaluation for active members of the PNP and AFP. I would like to clarify that this only applies to active personnel,” Gultiano said.

The facts: The circulating video is spliced. The PNP and AFP did not completely scrap the mandatory drug tests, psychological tests, and psychiatric evaluations for its active members.

In a statement on Saturday, February 1, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified that the exemption applies to the application or renewal of a license to own and possess firearms.

“The video was edited to deliberately mislead viewers into believing that police and army personnel are now exempt from taking the mandatory drug and psych tests,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in the statement. The PNP is directly under the supervision of the DILG.

“Let me emphasize that the exemption granted to PNP personnel only applies exclusively for their application for a new or renewal of license to own and possess firearms,” he added.

Taken out of context: The misleading video used a clip from a UNTV News report in August 2024. The report says that drug and neuropsychological tests are no longer required for the application for a new or renewal of licenses to own and possess firearms.

In the clarificatory statement, Remulla said that the exemption granted to PNP personnel aimed to streamline processes as “requiring another round of drug testing would be redundant and counterproductive.”

“This exemption is granted in recognition of the regular and comprehensive drug and neuropsychological testing they already undergo as part of their service, including annual screenings and mandatory testing during specialized courses and training,” Remulla added.

The misleading video surfaced amid the rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The two sides have traded accusations of illegal drug use, with Duterte calling Marcos a “drug addict” and Marcos firing back by mentioning Duterte’s use of fentanyl.