By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Ten job order (JO) workers of the San Carlos City government in Negros Occidental have tested positive for illegal drug use.

San Carlos City Mayor Rene Gustilo said the 10 were part of the first batch of 70 employees who have undergone drug tests last week.

He said the surprise drug tests are carried out annually for all of the city government employees in order to make sure that none of them are drug users.

Gustilo refused to say as to which office the involved JOs were assigned, however, he pointed out that they will no longer be able to renew their contracts.

He added the surprise drug tests will continue so any of the city government employees, who are drug users, will be caught completely off guard.

The mayor also stated that any regular employee who tests positive for illegal drug use will undergo proper process in accordance with the regulations set by the Civil Service Commission prior to termination./DGB, WDJ