Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on Saturday, denounced purported defamation of the government and the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Office of the President.
Remulla was reacting to the spread of fake news involving a “spliced video” of the alleged removal of mandatory drug and neuropsychological testing for active personnel of the Philippine National Police.
According to the Secretary, the video with the caption “Malaya at legal na pagkakas ng droga ang PNP at AFP Only in the Philippines sa Bagong Pilipinas ni Marcos Jr.,” was first posted by a Filipina girl (@fiercelady08) on social media platform X last Jan. 9 Remulla described the online the video as “malicious and defamatory not only to the police organization but also of the Office of the President.”
“We will not allow individuals or groups to malign the name and integrity of the PNP and the government,”he said.
Remulla also said the video was edited to deliberately mislead viewers into believing that police and army personnel are now exempted from taking the mandatory drug and psychology tests.
“Let me emphasize that the exemption granted to PNP personnel only applies exclusively to their application for a new or renewal of license to own and possess firearms. 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 explained.
“Given the thorough evaluations and strict monitoring they are subjected to, requiring another round of drug testing would be redundant and counterproductive, as it undermines the PNP’s efforts to streamline the process, improve operational efficiency, and reduce unnecessary procedural burdens,” he added.
The secretary appealed to the public to use social media correctly and ensure that its content is always true and accurate.