THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Davao said two drivers tested positive for illegal drug use out of the 272 who underwent the surprise mandatory drug testing during the conduct of Oplan Harabas in Davao City on May 16.
PDEA-Davao Director Antonio Rivera said the individuals who tested positive for illegal drug use were a van driver, who underwent drug test in Bankerohan, and a jeepney driver, who tested positive at Gaisano Mall.
Oplan Harabas was carried out by joint elements of PDEA-Davao, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), and Davao City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac).
There were a total of 123 tricycle, 23 taxi, 61 jeepney, seven truck and 58 van drivers who submitted themselves for drug testing in Barangay Agdao, at Gaisano Mall Bajada terminal, at Bankerohan terminals, and at LTFRB office for drivers undergoing Drivers Academy Orientation.
Rivera said since they started their operation in November 2018, there are more than 10 individuals who tested positive for illegal drug use.
He said education, information, and communication materials (PDEA Comics) were also distributed during the drug testing.
Those who tested positive in the initial screening underwent counseling by the Preventive Education and Community Involvement (Peci) officer and PDEA Children and Women Welfare officer. They were subsequently referred to Davao Cadac for proper intervention, but their driver's license was immediately confiscated by LTO in relation to Republic Act 10586 and suspended until they undergo rehabilitation or reformation program in collaboration with the Department of Health or local government units.
Lawyer Behn Joseph Tesiorna, PDEA officer-in-charge, said PDEA had already implemented three Oplans (Undas Spot, Harabas and Huli Week) nationwide.
“The successful implementation of the different Oplans indicates the positive and cooperative response not only of the concerned government agencies but also of the public utility vehicles operators to support and sustain the harm reduction effort of the government. PDEA as the lead agency in the anti-drug campaign will ensure the safety and security of the passengers and of the public against drivers under the influence of illegal drugs and other substances that can definitely cause traffic accidents on the road,” Tesiorna said.