Around 400 tricycle and pedicab drivers joined the launching of the Cavite police anti-hard drug project "Lodi Kong Driver ay Drug-Free Forever" (My Idol Driver is Drug-Free Forever) at the SM City Rosario mall terminal here Wednesday.
“The project is the first of its kind of anti-illegal drug campaign now being implemented in the province of Cavite,” said Rosario Vice Mayor Jose Ricafrente.
Ricafrente said the 400 tricycle and pedicab drivers underwent the drug tests earlier and were confirmed negative on illegal drugs and their vehicles were given the stickers marked "Lodi Kong Driver ay Drug-free Forever” during the launch.
"Pag may stickers ang mga drivers, sigurado safe ang mga pasahero dahil pumasa sila sa drug testing (If the sidecars of the drivers have the stickers, then the passengers are assured of their safety because these drivers passed the drug test)," he added.
The project aims to promote safe travel of commuters; preempt occurrence of vehicular accidents; persuade other drivers to end their drug use and involvement in any illegal drug trade; prevent and control crimes by utilizing the drivers in information gathering.
The anti-hard drug drive is initiated by Cavite Provincial Police Office through its Police Director Supt. William Segun and Chief Inspector Mark Joseph Laygo, who is Rosario’s chief of police.
The novel project is in partnership with the local government through Rosario Mayor Voltaire Ricafrente and Vice Mayor Ricafrente.
The 400 drivers are members of the Sunrise Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association and Pedicab Operators and Drivers Association .
Supt. Michael B. Secillano, Cavite Deputy Provincial Police Chief for Operation, said there were 1,300 tricycle and pedicab drivers in Rosario subjected to random drug testing.
Secillano said that those found positive in the drug tests are liable under the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act” or Republic Act 9165 and the local government here would ban them from operating.
He urged operators and vehicle owners to be responsible in the hiring of their respective drivers and to submit the requirements such as Drug Test Certification, Barangay/Police Clearance and the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council clearance to attest they are not drug dependent.
Drivers who passed the certification requirements will be issued stickers for their vehicles, their contact numbers available at the police stations, and they will be given identification cards.
Laygo added that the drivers were also required to have a driver’s license with no records of involvement in illegal drug use or drug pushing.
Besides the requirements on the appropriate driver's license, barangay and police clearances, the drivers have to possess updated LTO registration and the local franchise to operate.
Sid Samaniego, the town’s Media Relations Officer, said the project was being introduced to the Municipal Peace and Order Council to be integrated into the town’s Local Anti-Criminality Action Plan for possible legislation as a municipal ordinance. (PNA)
