Four truck drivers fail Bacolod drug test

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Four truck drivers tested positive for illegal drug use in a surprise random drug test conducted on 157 public transport drivers at the Bacolod North Jeep Terminal in Barangay Bata on Wednesday, according to the Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region.

LTO-NIR Director Jeck Conlu said those who tested positive were three wing van truck drivers and one tractor driver.

Their driver’s licenses were immediately confiscated and automatically suspended pending further investigation, Conlu said.

He said the four drivers will undergo confirmatory testing. If they again test positive, their licenses will be evaluated for revocation.

The drug testing, done through urine samples, was part of LTO-NIR’s Oplan Harabas and Oplan Biyaheng Ayos for Holy Week.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Negros Island Region, the Highway Patrol Group and Police Station 3.

Those tested included drivers of 77 passenger jeepneys, 38 taxis, 16 trucks, 22 tricycles and four vans.

Conlu said the operation was meant to help ensure the safety of the riding public during the Holy Week travel surge.

Authorities said the initiative is part of continuing efforts to promote road safety, discipline among public utility drivers and a drug-free transport sector.

Conlu said 105 LTO personnel have been deployed across the region since last week, including in Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Based on the agency’s initial assessment, fewer vehicles were seen on the roads, possibly because of the fuel price hike tied to tensions in the Middle East.

Conlu said passenger traffic is expected to rise as some motorists may choose to commute instead of using their own vehicles for travel.