QUEUING FOR THE TEST. Bus drivers in three provinces in Central Luzon on Friday (April 8, 2022) underwent a surprise mandatory drug test to ensure the safety of the riding public this Holy Week. Dubbed "Oplan Harabas 2022" it aims to test 2,000 public utility vehicle drivers in the region. (Photo by PDEA Region 3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Around 300 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in three provinces in Central Luzon on Friday underwent a surprise drug tests to ensure the safety of the riding public this coming Holy Week.
Dubbed "Oplan Harabas 2022", the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 3(PDEA-3), in collaboration with the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Central Luzon, Land Transportation Office Region 3 (LTO3), Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) and the local government units (LGUs) conducted the simultaneous surprise mandatory drug test to PUV drivers in terminals.
PDEA Region 3 director Bryan Babang said the drug test was conducted at Dau Integrated Bus Terminal, Robinsons' Bus Terminal in Pampanga; Muzon Terminal in Bulacan, and Subic Municipality Public Terminal in Zambales.
“This is a simultaneous surprise mandatory drug testing to all drivers in public terminals nationwide aimed to ensure the safety of passengers from drugged drivers and at the same time, promote a drug-free public transport system all over the country,” Babang said in an interview.
A total of 2,000 PUV drivers in the region are targeted in the ongoing drug testing, however, it was not revealed where and when the next one will be carried out.
He said that drivers who will test positive for illegal drugs will not be allowed to travel and LTO will confiscate their licenses.
Meanwhile, bus and van terminals were also subjected to K9 sweeping to prevent the transportation of illegal drugs using the terminals.
Likewise, drug preventive information, education, and communication (IEC) materials were also distributed to commuters to raise awareness of the ill effects of illegal drugs. (PNA)
