OPLAN HARABAS. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Western Visayas conducts a surprise drug test to public transport vehicle drivers on Thursday (May 16, 2019). The PDEA plans to conduct Oplan Harabas in different parts of the region every month. (Photo courtesy of PDEA 6)
ILOILO CITY -- Geared towards the goal of ensuring that public transport drivers are free from the influence of illegal drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Western Visayas (PDEA 6) conducted “Oplan Harabas” on Thursday.
Alex Tablate, PDEA 6 regional director, said on Thursday the surprise drug on drivers of trucks, jeepneys, taxis, and even motorcycles is based on the national mandate of the drug agency.
The PDEA 6 partnered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Department of Health in the conduct of the “Oplan Harabas”.
“The process is, we call on drivers and request them to undergo the drug testing. With our partner agencies, we can prevent drivers from resisting to be subjected to the said test,” Tablate said in an interview.
He said the LTO has the authority with regard to the license of the drivers should they refuse to undergo drug testing.
PDEA agents covered drivers at Parola Ferry Terminal, Ortiz village, Philippines Ports Authority Commercial Port Complex -- all in this city, Hibao-an Terminal at Hibao-an Norte in this city’s Mandurriao district, and Concepcion town in Iloilo.
Tablate said they targeted 150 to 200 drivers to undergo drug test on this one-day activity.
The PDEA eyes to conduct “Oplan Harabas” on a monthly basis in different areas in Western Visayas, Tablate said.
“Unlike before, that we conduct this only once in a while,” he said. (PNA)
