THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has strongly condemned the circulation of a spliced and misleading video falsely claiming that active personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now exempt from mandatory drug and neuropsychological testing.
In an official statement, DILG Secretary Jonvic C. Remulla denounced the video as a deliberate attempt to discredit both the government and the PNP. The video, first posted on January 9, 2025, by the social media account Dalagang Pilipina🦅🇵🇭 (@fierceLady08) on X (formerly Twitter), featured the caption: “Malaya at Legal na gumamit ng Droga ang PNP at AFP only in the Philippines sa Bagong Pilipinas ni Marcos Jr.”
Remulla clarified that the video was intentionally edited to mislead viewers into believing that PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel are no longer required to undergo drug and psychological testing. “The caption is not only malicious but also undermines the credibility of the police organization and the Office of the President,” he said.
Clarifying the Policy
The DILG stressed that the exemption in question applies solely to PNP personnel applying for or renewing a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF). According to Remulla, this exemption was granted because police officers already undergo regular, comprehensive drug and neuropsychological evaluations as part of their service requirements. These include annual screenings and mandatory tests during specialized courses and training programs.
“Requiring additional, redundant drug tests for firearm licensing would be unnecessary, given the stringent protocols already in place,” Remulla noted. He emphasized that such redundancy would only burden operational efficiency without providing any added value.
Call Against Disinformation
The DILG warned against the spread of false information, stating that they will not tolerate efforts to malign the integrity of the PNP and the government. “We urge the public to use social media responsibly and ensure that the content they share is truthful and accurate,” Remulla added.
The agency called on all Filipinos to help uphold the values of honesty, integrity, and accountability, especially in the digital space, as the spread of disinformation can have far-reaching consequences on public trust and national security.