ANTI-COLORUM OPS. An LTFRB enforcer flags an Angkas rider who was caught operating despite being unregistered in the 'master list' of the Technical Working Group on motorcycle taxis on Wednesday (Feb. 19, 2020). The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority caught 10 "habal-habal," while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) nabbed seven drug-positive public transportation vehicle drivers in separate operations. (Photo courtesy of DOTr)
MANILA -- Authorities on Wednesday apprehended 10 "habal-habal" or unregistered motorcycle taxis and seven public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who tested positive for illegal drugs in separate operations in Metro Manila.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokesperson Celine Pialago said the unregistered motor-taxi riders were caught by their enforcers, led by South Sector chief Rey Arada, along Gil Puyat Avenue and Roxas Boulevard eastbound lane in Pasay City.
“A total of 10 habal-habal po ang nahuli. Nagpupulasan po kasi kapag nakikita din nila (A total of 10 unregistered riders were caught. They tried to run away when they saw our operation),” Pialago said in a message.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and partner agencies conducted a roadworthiness inspection of PUVs as well as surprise random tests for its drivers in Makati City.
With the help of the Philippine National Police, Tactical Motorcycle Riders Units, and the Makati Anti-Drug Abuse Council, the LTO said that out of the 53 drivers who took the random drug test, seven tested positive.
“The respective driver's license of those tested positive has been confiscated. They will undergo a confirmatory test. Once they test positive in the confirmatory test, their license will be revoked,” the LTO said in a statement.
It added that the inspection and surprise drug test were part of nationwide intensified operations based on the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte.
"It is important that we prevent drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs from driving since they are already in an altered state. They are no longer qualified to drive and pose as a threat. Thus, we have to remove them from our streets," LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said.
On Thursday, the MMDA, in partnership with the Technical Working Group on motor-taxis and other law enforcement agencies, announced a crackdown against illegal motor-taxis.
Aside from the habal-habal, or motor-taxis with no online presence, the MMDA and partner agencies will also work together to apprehend unregistered motor-taxi riders not included in the master list of the TWG. (PNA)
