CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Ten personnel of the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) may face dismissal or mandatory rehabilitation after testing positive for illegal drugs in a surprise drug test conducted last week.

Over a radio interview, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Misamis Oriental officer Expedito Cardona said nine of the 162 RTA personnel tested positive for shabu, while one tested positive for marijuana.

Cardona said the results have already undergone confirmatory testing, with the chemist’s report validating the initial findings.

He said PDEA will recommend the individuals to their respective barangays for monitoring and intervention while the city government decides on their employment status.

“Among irekomenda sa ilang barangay aron mamonitor ug matagaan og insaktong intervention,” Cardona said.

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He added that any disciplinary action, including possible dismissal, will depend on the decision of the city’s local chief executive.

RTA Department Manager Nonito Oclarit, in a statement relayed through the City Information Office, said job order and casual employees who tested positive will be automatically dismissed but will still undergo rehabilitation.

Regular employees, however, will not be dismissed but will also be required to complete rehabilitation.

The surprise drug test was conducted on April 23 at Barangay Carmen Hall during what personnel believed was a seminar organized by the Human Resource Management Office.

Of the expected 180 personnel, only 162 attended. Oclarit said the 18 who failed to show up will be required to explain their absence.

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For commuters and residents, the incident raises concerns about public safety and accountability, as RTA personnel are responsible for managing traffic and maintaining order on city roads.

Edrian Bagonga of Lapasan said those involved should be replaced.

“Mas maayo nang pulihan gyud na sila,” he said.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old student Ellaine Bachinicha said the situation was alarming given the public trust placed on traffic enforcers.

“Ginoo na gyud bahala ani. Sila unta magbantay sa kahapsay sa trapiko,” she said.