The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Visayas, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), conducted random drug testing on 281 personnel in Dumaguete City on June 17, 2026, as part of efforts to maintain a drug-free and disciplined workforce.
The operation, held in Barangay Calindagan, was part of the PCG’s ongoing internal compliance and monitoring program aimed at ensuring personnel fitness for duty.
Initial screening results showed nine personnel, eight males and one female, yielded positive findings and were placed under restriction pending confirmatory laboratory tests.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the agency continues to implement unannounced drug testing under directives from Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
“We continue to implement regular and unannounced drug testing as part of our commitment to ensuring that all personnel remain physically and mentally fit to perform their duties,” Cayabyab said.
She added that personnel confirmed positive in laboratory results will face appropriate disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from service.
The PCG said the initiative is anchored on its Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) campaign, which aims to strengthen accountability and uphold professional standards within the organization.