18 Mandaue traffic personnel axed after testing positive for drug use

Local

EIGTHEEN job order (JO) personnel of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) lost their jobs after testing positive in a random drug test, prompting the city government to require drug clearance for all JO applicants before hiring.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. announced the dismissals during a press briefing on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano ordered their termination on Oct. 16.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO) conducted the random drug testing on Oct. 13, covering at least 300 Team personnel. The 18 personnel who tested positive must still undergo confirmatory testing, Malig-on said.

He said the administration proceeded with the dismissals to protect public safety, given the traffic personnel’s responsibilities in managing traffic and assisting motorists.

“Seryoso ang admin to set an example, di sad ta ganahan nga naa sila sa field, critical ilang function, unya some of them are under the influence of drugs. Di na pwede kay public safety ilang trabaho,” Malig-on said.

He stressed that the city would not make exceptions for employees who tested positive, regardless of their work performance or personal connections.

“Bisan pa og mayng laki ka, pero naa ka sa drugs, positive ka, tangtang gyud. Wala tay pilion ana,” he said.

Team was the second city office to undergo random drug testing this year. Malig-on said the first office tested in August had no personnel who tested positive.

The city government plans to test personnel in two more offices before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Ouano and Team chief Hyll Retuya have discussed measures to ensure the agency’s operations continue despite the removal of the 18 personnel.

Following the incident, Ouano decided to require drug clearance from all JO applicants before hiring, extending a requirement that already applies to regular city government employees. Malig-on said the additional screening aims to prevent similar cases among the city’s workforce.

Earlier, Retuya emphasized TEAM’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption and abuse of authority, saying personnel must maintain proper conduct while carrying out their duties.(MyTVCebu)