Iloilo: Six out of the 1,013 transport personnel tested positive for illegal drugs during the conduct of “Oplan Harabas” in Western Visayas.
According to Philippines News Agency, the activity was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and tested 876 drivers, 135 conductors, and two dispatchers from various terminals in Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, and Capiz.
PDEA Director Ralph Rommel Torres explained that Oplan Harabas aims to maintain drug-free roads and transport terminals to ensure commuter safety during one of the busiest times of the year. As part of the operation, PDEA also deployed Narcotics Detection K9 Units for sweeping and inspection activities in transport terminals. The PDEA confirmed that no illegal drugs were detected during the operation.
In a separate statement, the Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas (LTO-6) announced that the licenses of the six transport personnel, which included five tricycle drivers and a truck driver, were immediately suspended. LTO-6 Regional Director Gaudioso Geduspan stated that if the confirmatory tests return positive, they will recommend revocation of the drivers’ licenses.
The unannounced drug tests were part of the national government’s directive to curb illegal drug use among public utility vehicle drivers, emphasizing the crucial connection between drugs and road safety. LTO statistics indicate that drug-impaired driving significantly contributes to the country’s average of 12,000 road crash fatalities annually. The LTO stated that random inspections would continue throughout the year as part of its ongoing crackdown.
