More taxi drivers test positive for meth in W. Visayas drug checks

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two taxi drivers tested positive for methamphetamine on the third consecutive day of surprise drug tests targeting transport workers in Western Visayas, bringing renewed scrutiny to public road safety during the Holy Week rush.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 6 and the Land Transportation Office conducted the April 1 tests at Dumangas Port in Barangay Sapao, Dumangas, Iloilo, as part of the government’s Oplan Harabas initiative. A total of 100 drivers were tested, including 68 tricycle drivers, 11 truck drivers, nine taxi drivers, four van drivers, three traditional jeepney drivers, two transport network vehicle drivers, two private vehicle drivers, and one bus driver.

The two taxi drivers were the only ones who failed the test that day.

On March 31, two other taxi drivers also tested positive. They were among 607 transport workers screened at six terminals across Iloilo and Guimaras — the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan; Old Tagbak Terminal and Ceres Terminal in Jaro, both in Iloilo City; Robinsons Pavia Terminal in Ungka 2, Pavia; and Jordan Port and Buenavista Port in Guimaras.

The operations began March 30, when PDEA-6 tested 822 transport personnel — 761 drivers and 61 conductors — across terminals in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. Six drivers tested positive that day: one jeepney driver and five tricycle drivers. Sites included the Kalibo Citi Mall Terminal in Aklan; the Culasi Ceres Terminal, Tibiao TODA Terminal, and San Jose Transport Terminal in Antique; Pueblo de Panay Integrated Terminal in Roxas City, Capiz; and the Sara Public Transport Terminal in Iloilo.

PDEA-6 public information officer Ma. Graziella Tanaleon said the LTO immediately confiscated the licenses of those who failed and prevented them from continuing their trips.

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

Drivers who test positive are referred for confirmatory testing within 24 hours and subjected to appropriate intervention.

Oplan Harabas aims to ensure that drivers are not under the influence of illegal drugs while transporting passengers. The operations also include K9 sweeps at terminals to intercept drug shipments through public vehicles.

Tanaleon said the program is part of PDEA-6’s broader strategy to reduce drug demand, promote drug-free workplaces, and cut vehicular accidents caused by impaired drivers.

The operations were conducted in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development, Police Regional Office 6, the PNP Highway Patrol Unit, local government units, city and municipal health offices, the provincial governments of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo, and civil society organizations.

Oplan Harabas is implemented under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013; and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 2, Series of 2004.