STARTING Monday, November 21, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Western Visayas will accommodate 400 drivers of public utility vehicles and jeepneys every day for a free drug test in a move to fast track this initiative.
The PRO Information Officer Superintendent Gilbert Gorero said as of Friday, they have already tested 1,627 drivers and all were found negative of the illegal substance.
Dubbed as “Oplan Safe Driver,” the free drug test was launched November 7 to ensure the safety of both drivers and commuters.
It came after a consultation with stakeholders where it was revealed that some cases of vehicular accidents can be attributed to drivers under the influence of illegal drugs.
Drivers who were found negative of drugs will receive a certificate from the PRO and an identification card which they can display in conspicuous places inside their vehicles.
The driver’s profile shall also be encoded in the PRO Infotxt System as a supporter of the anti-illegal drugs advocacy.
They would receive a text from the system encouraging them to undergo another drug testing upon the expiration of their certification after six months.
Drivers who are positive of illegal drugs have to undergo the Project Tokhang process and documentation and will undergo community-based rehabilitation inside camp, Gorero added. (PNA)