Drivers and other personnel from the transport at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) tested negative in the drug tests conducted last week.
With millions expected to troop to the provinces ahead of the Holy Week break, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted random drug tests on public utility vehicle (PUV) personnel on April 9 under its Oplan: Harabas program.
Out of the 4,210 individuals screened for shabu or marijuana use, PDEA said 20 were tricycle drivers, 10 were jeepney drivers, 11 were bus drivers, seven were van drivers, seven were tricycle drivers, five were conductors and one dispatcher.
In a GMA News report, PITX spokesperson Jason Salvador said the four drivers that yielded positive results for illegal drug use were from other terminals and “not PITX.’’
The PITX management noted that the volume of passengers will skyrocket from Tuesday (April 12) to Good Friday (April 15) with people heading to the provinces for the Lenten Season break.
Earlier, PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva explained that the drivers yielding positive illegal drug results upon confirmatory tests will not be allowed to travel and have their licenses confiscated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
He emphasized that they must undergo appropriate intervention and reformation programs to be provided by their respective local Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) before reclaiming their licenses.
“The agency implemented the 2022 iteration of OPLAN: “HARABAS as part of the agency’s holistic approach in reducing the demand for illegal drugs, promoting drug-free workplaces, and reformation,’’ Villanueva said.
The agency also conducted K9 sweeping operations in public transport terminals, including the country’s high-risk airports and seaports, to detect concealed illegal drugs carried by passengers.
Villanueva cited the LTO, Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for their valuable participation in OPLAN: “HARABAS.
Implemented on a regular basis, Oplan: Harabas was enforced in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002” and Republic Act No.10586, or the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013”, as well as Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation No. 2 Series of 2004, aimed to curb road accidents caused by drugged drivers.
“There is no doubt that there is a prevailing practice of drug use among the public transport driving population to keep awake while behind the wheel. OPLAN: “HARABAS” is an effective deterrent to lessen drug-related road accidents and protect innocent lives,” Villanueva noted. (Chito A. Chavez)