Ten Negros Occidental government workers test positive for drugs

BACOLOD CITY — Drug screening tests conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) have confirmed that ten employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government tested positive for illegal drug use, provincial authorities said Wednesday. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz disclosed the findings, noting that the confirmatory testing process revealed the positive results among the workforce. The announcement came as part of the province's continued efforts to maintain workplace compliance and employee welfare standards. Among the workers tested, one employee returned a negative result, while test results for three others remain pending further analysis. The DOH testing represents part of a systematic approach by provincial authorities to address substance abuse concerns within government ranks. Provincial officials have not yet disclosed specific details regarding the identities of those who tested positive or the departments involved. The results underscore ongoing workplace health and safety initiatives being implemented across regional government offices in the Visayas region.