Eight Western Visayas drivers test positive for drugs

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By Jennifer P. Rendon and Gerome Dalipe IV

Two more public transport drivers tested positive for illegal drug use on Tuesday, March 31, in another round of surprise drug testing in Iloilo and Guimaras, bringing to eight the number of drivers who initially tested positive under Oplan Harabas in Western Visayas over two days.

The two drivers who tested positive on March 31 were both taxi drivers.

Ma. Graziella Tanaleon, public information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Western Visayas, said 607 transport personnel were tested in six terminals in Iloilo and Guimaras during the second-day operation.

The surprise drug tests were conducted at Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Jordan Port and Buenavista Port in Guimaras, the Old Tagbak Terminal and the Ceres Terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City, and the Robinsons Pavia Terminal in Ungka II, Pavia.

On March 30, PDEA-6 also carried out surprise drug tests and K9 sweeps in transport terminals in Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo, where 822 transport personnel were screened and six drivers — one jeepney driver and five tricycle drivers — initially tested positive.

Taken together, the two-day operation screened at least 1,429 transport personnel, and eight drivers — one jeepney driver, two taxi drivers and five tricycle drivers — returned initial positive results.

Tanaleon said those who initially tested positive would be referred for confirmatory testing within 24 hours and for appropriate intervention.

Further, “the LTO immediately confiscated the licenses of those who failed the test and prevent them from continuing their trips,” she said.

Tanaleon said the operation forms part of the agency’s broader effort to reduce drug demand, promote drug-free workplaces and improve road safety in the region.

She said the campaign also aims to help prevent the transport of illegal drugs through public vehicles and reduce crashes involving drivers under the influence of prohibited substances.

Oplan Harabas is a nationwide PDEA program conducted with the Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Department of Health, the Philippine National Police and local government units to help ensure safe and drug-free travel, especially during peak travel periods.

The operation is anchored on Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, and is also supported by drug-free workplace guidelines under Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 2, Series of 2004.