Eight bus, taxi drivers in Cebu found positive for illegal drugs during surprise tests
CEBU CITY -- At least 300 bus drivers, taxi drivers and conductors underwent a surprise drug test as part of the authorities’ campaign to ensure safe travel this coming Holy Week.
Dubbed as Oplan Harabas, the conduct of the surprise drug test at the Cebu North Bus Terminal and Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) was spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Central Visayas (PDEA 7).
Personnel of the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention and Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO 7) were also on hand during the surprise drug testing.
PDEA 7 information officer Leia Alcantara said three bus drivers, four taxi drivers and one bus conductor tested positive for illegal drug use.
Alcantara said the results were still subject for confirmatory tests.
PDEA 7 regional director Levi Ortiz said “Oplan Harabas” is meant to ensure the safety of passengers who will be traveling to their provinces for the observance of the Holy Week.
Ortiz said an influx of passengers is expected due to the upcoming Holy Week.
LTO 7’s law enforcement Officer Aden Belza warned that the licenses of the drivers who will be tested positive for drug use will be revoked.
“They will no longer be allowed to drive passenger vehicles,” said Belza.
Management of Cebu South Bus Terminal welcomed the holding of the surprise drug test.
Carmen Quijano, manager of CSBT, lamented that some bus drivers escaped upon knowing of the drug test.
“I want to be honest in the presence of PDEA 7 director, many drivers of these mini buses didn’t submit to drug testing,” said Quijano.
Quijano said operators of the mini buses whose drivers evaded the drug test will be called for a meeting to discuss the matter.