20 transport workers test positive in Negros Oriental

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Twenty transport workers, including drivers and a helper, tested positive for illegal drug use during a random drug-testing operation conducted by the Land Transportation Office–Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Negros Island Region in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Thursday.

A total of 193 transport workers were tested, with positive results involving 14 truck drivers, one truck helper, one jeepney driver, three tricycle drivers, and one electric tricycle driver.

The operation, dubbed “Oplan Harabas,” was conducted at the Dumaguete Transport Terminal, Dumaguete Ceres Terminal, and the Bypass Road in Zone 2, Barangay Looc.

LTO-NIR Officer in Charge Jeck Conlu said those who initially tested positive will be issued show-cause orders and will have their driver’s licenses temporarily suspended.

He said the individuals will undergo confirmatory testing, and those who test positive again will face appropriate administrative sanctions in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

“Illegal drugs are non-negotiable,” Conlu said.

He said authorities will continue to sustain such operations to deter drivers from engaging in illegal drug use and to help ensure road safety.

The LTO-NIR said the operation supports its mandate to ensure that public utility vehicle drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate.

Conlu said this was the first Oplan Harabas conducted in Negros Oriental and was carried out in coordination with the Dumaguete City government, the provincial government, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Health, the Highway Patrol Group, the Philippine National Police, and other government agencies.