LTO-NIR flags drug use among Negros Oriental drivers

By Glazyl M. Jopson

The Land Transportation Office–Negros Island Region has expressed concern after 20 transport workers in Negros Oriental tested positive for illegal drug use in confirmatory tests.

LTO-NIR officer in charge Jeck Conlu described the results as “alarming,” noting that this was the first time such a high number of transport workers tested positive since the launch of “Oplan Harabas” in 2018.

“Kadamo nag positive,” Conlu said, adding that previous operations typically recorded an average of four to six individuals testing positive.

Of the 193 transport workers subjected to initial drug screening during the Jan. 29 operation in Dumaguete City, confirmatory tests showed 14 truck drivers, one truck helper, one jeepney driver, three tricycle drivers, and one electric tricycle driver were positive.

Conlu said the operation marked the agency’s first drug-testing activity in Negros Oriental under the newly created Negros Island Region.

In response, he said the agency plans to conduct regular operations in Negros Oriental to strengthen road safety enforcement and ensure commuter safety.

He clarified, however, that enforcement efforts will continue across the region, including Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, particularly during peak travel periods such as holidays.

The LTO-NIR is preparing administrative sanctions against the 20 transport workers, including the issuance of show-cause orders and the possible permanent revocation of their driver’s licenses.

Conlu said the agency is awaiting official copies of the confirmatory laboratory results from Cebu before directing the affected drivers to surrender their licenses.

The LTO-NIR said the confirmatory findings validated the initial screening results and will serve as the basis for administrative action under existing rules and regulations.

Conlu reiterated that “illegal drugs are non-negotiable,” stressing that sustained operations will continue to curb drug use among drivers and improve road safety.

Last November, the agency permanently revoked the licenses of six public utility vehicle drivers who tested positive for illegal drugs during a surprise inspection at the Bacolod North Terminal.

In January, a 57-year-old jeepney driver also tested positive during a mandatory random drug test involving 101 jeepney, bus, and other public utility vehicle drivers and conductors at the Bacolod South Terminal.

Authorities said similar inter-agency operations will continue to ensure public transport remains free from illegal drugs.