SEVEN individuals working in public transport tested positive after a surprise drug testing ahead of the expected influx of passengers for the Undas this year.
In a press release, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao Region (LTFRB-Davao) said that their office, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a surprise drug screening dubbed as "Oplan Harabas" on Friday morning, October 28.
The screening involved all public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the region, wherein 350 PUV drivers and conductors were screened.
LTFRB said two bus drivers tested positive in a screening conducted at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Dcott). Similarly, two taxi drivers tested positive for drug use at Gaisano Mall Van Terminal. Meanwhile, one bus driver and two conductors tested positive at Digos City Bus Terminal.
According to PDEA, the individuals who tested positive during the initial screening will still be subjected to confirmatory testing.
If found positive following the results of the confirmatory tests by PDEA, their licenses would be withheld. It will also be PDEA that will clear those who will test negative.
The Oplan Harabas initiative is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 10856 or Anti Drugged Driving Act of 2013, known as "An Act Penalizing Persons Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Dangerous Drugs, and Similar Substances, and for Other Purposes."
LTFRB-Davao said the activity seeks to promote road safety, specifically to prevent road accidents caused by drivers under the influence of illegal drugs during the Undas season. RGL