Question & AnswerQ&A (PNP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2009-007)
The purpose is to provide guidelines on the submission of requests for laboratory examination on seized/confiscated dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, instruments/paraphernalia, laboratory equipment, and drug testing of arrested suspects, as well as the issuance and release of results of laboratory examinations to the requesting parties, ensuring accountability among PNP personnel.
The certification must be claimed within 24 hours from the time of submission of the request for examination. However, if the volume of drugs does not allow completion within 24 hours, a partial report must be issued, and a final certification within the next 24 hours.
Dangerous Drugs include those listed in the Schedules annexed to the Single Convention of Narcotic Drugs (amended by the 1972 Protocol) and the 1971 Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances, as enumerated in the annex which is part of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
CPECs include chemicals listed in Tables I and II of the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, as included in the annex of RA 9165.
A Clandestine Laboratory is any facility used for the illegal manufacture of any dangerous and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals.
The Chief of the concerned Crime Laboratory office will notify the appropriate higher commanders. The personnel and their immediate superiors may be subjected to administrative investigation and disciplinary action, including possible criminal charges under RA 9165 and related laws, especially if involved in unlawful practices such as bungling drug cases.
The request must include: names and personal details of suspects, purpose of examination, type of operation conducted, date/time/place of arrest, name and contact info of requesting party, type and quantity of seized evidence, and other relevant information.
The Task Force Commander of AIDSOTF is the overall supervisor in implementing the circular, including monitoring and overseeing the compliance of reporting and procedural guidelines.
The laboratory report on screening test results must be claimed within 24 hours from submission of the request.
The chief of the concerned CL Office must notify the appropriate commanders or task forces immediately in writing and through practical communication methods to ensure accountability and enable prompt follow-up.
A Confirmatory Test is an analytical test using a different chemical or physical principle device from the screening test, more specific and used to validate and confirm the screening test results.
The disciplinary authority conducts the administrative investigation pursuant to NAPOLCOM MC 2007-001, RA 9165, and other existing rules and regulations.
The circular takes effect upon approval. Circulars or directives contrary to or inconsistent with this are rescinded or modified, while others not in conflict remain effective.