A TOTAL of 92 drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) from various transport terminals in Davao City tested negative for illegal drugs on Monday and Tuesday, October 29-30.
The drivers were subjected to a surprise drug test as part of the security measures for the All Souls’ Day weekend.
Those who underwent the surprise test were 47 van drivers at SM City Davao, 35 bus drivers at Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), and 10 van drivers along McArthur Highway, Matina.
Antonio Rivera, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director for Davao Region, said the test was conducted in coordination with the regional offices of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board regional office (LTFRB-11) and Land Transportation Office (LTO-11).
Rivera said the activity was held to ensure the safety of passengers by making sure that the drivers are not using prohibited drugs.
The PDEA assured that it was not the last surprise drug test that will be conducted.
In a previous interview, Rivera said the drug test is part of their “UndaSpot: Ligtas Byahe 2018” campaign for safe travel during the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Meanwhile, the PDEA and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-Davao) conducted a sweeping activity at the Sta. Ana Pier to inspect the passengers' baggage using K-9 dogs.
"Gusto lang nato nga dili makalusot ang ilegal nga druga sa atong mga pantalan (We don't want illegal drugs to slip past security at our pier)," Rivera said. (With reports from Lyka Amethyst H. Casamayor)