PDEA-6 holds surprise drug testing on drivers

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A total of 152 public drivers and conductors of buses here and Iloilo City tested negative for illegal drugs during surprise tests by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-6 yesterday.

In Bacolod City, 75 were subjected to testing through urine samples.

The drug testing was simultaneously conducted nationwide in relation to “Oplan Harabas” as part of the intensified anti-illegal drug operations of PDEA for the upcoming Holy Week.

The tests were conducted at the bus terminals here, UV Express Terminals, Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City, and UV Express Terminals in Jaro, Iloilo City.

According to PDEA-6 director Alex Tablate, this was organized to undertake measures to prevent drivers of public utility vehicles under the influence of illegal drugs from causing road traffic accidents, which in turn, will ensure the safety of the riding public.

PDEA expects an influx of people who will go home for the Holy Week and summer vacation this month, thus the safety of the riding public is a priority.

Further, K9 Interdiction Units led by narcotic-detection dogs patrolled the area to detect illegal drugs.