SIX public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers tested positive of drug use during an initial screening conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea) 7 on 174 drivers at major terminals in the cities of Mandaue and Cebu last Friday, March 29.
Pdea 7 information officer Leia Albiar-Alcantara said the results were still subject to a confirmatory test. But if the second test confirms they use illegal drugs, her office will submit a report to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7. It will be up to the LTO 7 to file complaints against the drivers and revoke their license if they are found guilty, she said.
Pdea 7 personnel, assisted by the LTO 7 and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board 7, first visited the van-for-hire terminal in Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City where 50 drivers underwent a drug test.
Afterward, they went to the North Bus Terminal in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City where 69 drivers underwent a drug test.
The operation was part of the Pdea’s nationwide Oplan Harabas last Friday.
Alcantara said 55 drivers from other terminals were also subjected to a drug test.
According to Pdea 7 Director Wardley Getalla, the objective of Oplan Harabas was to prevent drivers hooked on illegal drugs from driving PUVs as they might endanger the safety of their passengers.
The Pdea national office reported that 3,600 PUV drivers had been arrested for illegal drug use nationwide. (from AYB of Superbalita Cebu/KAL)