THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has launched a nationwide drug test for public transport drivers.

Some 55 drivers tested positive of illegal drugs.

PDEA subjected 4,470 drivers in selected transport terminals nationwide as part of its Oplan Harabas program.

Pursuant to Republic Act 10586 or “The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013”, these drivers were not allowed to operate their vehicles pending the confiscation of their licenses while undergoing rehabilitation process.

“Oplan Harabas” is a simultaneous surprise mandatory drug testing to all drivers in public terminals nationwide aimed to ensure the safety of passengers from drugged drivers, at the same time promote a drug-free public transport system all over the country.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino ordered the mandatory drug testing of drivers due to the increasing number of road traffic accidents caused by drivers who are under the influence of illegal drugs.

Based on PDEA’s data monitoring from January 2018 to January 2019, 3,654 drivers, bus conductors, and dispatchers were arrested for violation of RA 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In the second semester of 2018, 1,902 of them were arrested, an increase of 37 percent from the 1,386 arrests in the first semester.

Oplan Harabas is a product of coordination among different government agencies such as PDEA, Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Local Government Units-Business Permit and Licensing Office (LGU-BPLO) and other stakeholders.