Seven Bacolod drivers test positive in Undas drug screening

BACOLOD CITY — Seven of 100 transport drivers initially tested positive for illegal drugs during random drug screening conducted in Bacolod City on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, as authorities intensified road safety measures ahead of the Undas travel rush.

The screening formed part of the ongoing Oplan Harabas-Undas campaign of the Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR), in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The operation was conducted at the Bacolod North Bus Terminal in Barangay Bata, targeting drivers of public utility vehicles and other transport services.

A total of 100 drivers, including those operating tricycles, taxis, trucks, modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) and traditional PUVs, underwent testing.

LTO-NIR Assistant Regional Director Monico Puentevella Jr. voluntarily underwent the drug test first to demonstrate the agency’s commitment to the initiative.

According to an LTO-NIR report, the seven drivers who yielded preliminary positive results included four tricycle drivers, one taxi driver and two truck drivers.

The seven will undergo confirmatory testing to validate the initial findings.

Under Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, random drug screening of public utility drivers is among the measures intended to prevent drug-impaired driving and protect commuters.

A positive initial screening result does not automatically establish illegal drug use, as confirmatory testing is required to validate the findings.

LTO-NIR Director Jeck Conlu said the agency remains committed to working with partner agencies to promote responsible driving, prevent drug-impaired driving and ensure safer roads for motorists and passengers during the Undas season.

Meanwhile, LTO-NIR reported that the first phase of its Oplan Biyaheng Ayos-Undas campaign, conducted from Oct. 23 to 27, resulted in the inspection of 4,959 vehicles across the region.

Based on agency records, the apprehensions involved various violations, including operating unauthorized or colorum vehicles, failure to register vehicles and driving with expired licenses.

Violations involving the failure to wear helmets and seat belts also topped the list, highlighting the need for greater compliance with basic road safety regulations.

Conlu reminded motorists that wearing helmets and seat belts may seem like simple precautions, but they can save lives.

The intensified inspections are particularly important as thousands of families are expected to travel to cemeteries and memorial parks for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.

As the second phase of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos-Undas gets underway, LTO-NIR is urging public transportation operators and drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before allowing them to operate.

The agency emphasized the need for heightened vigilance amid the expected increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic during the Undas weekend.

LTO-NIR said its continuing enforcement efforts aim to reduce road crashes, improve compliance with transportation regulations and ensure safer travel throughout the holiday observance.