CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Ninety-nine out of 100 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors tested negative in a surprise drug test conducted by the Land Transportation Office in Northern Mindanao (LTO-10) recently.

However, a bus conductor had traces of illegal drugs in his urine sample, said Nelson Manaloto, LTO-10 regional director, in an interview on Monday, Nov. 28.

Manaloto stressed that the result could be an indication that the transportation sector, especially drivers and conductors, are helping the government in the campaign against illegal drugs.

“It’s good that out of the hundred drivers, no one tested positive, only one conductor. It only means that our campaign against illegal drugs in Region 10 is effective, and that our drivers, even taxi drivers, are now choosing to go drug-free,” he said.

The random drug test was conducted at the Agora Integrated Bus Terminal in Barangay Lapasan, this city, on Nov. 23, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The LTO-10 is still awaiting the result of the confirmatory test result from a drug testing laboratory for the bus conductor who tested positive.

If the second test turns out positive, the bus conductor will be advised to attend the community-based rehabilitation program in his barangay.

Manaloto said his office has advised the bus company to let the bus conductor take a leave of absence until the confirmatory result is released.

The LTO-10 confiscated the license of an UV Express driver after he refused to subject himself to the examination. The agency also issued a show-cause order asking him to explain why he refused.

“We will recommend the suspension or revocation of his license as the case may be. It will depend on the appreciation of our adjudicator,” Manaloto said.