ILOILO City – Four public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers here tested positive for illegal drugs following a surprise operation launched by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6, raising red flags over commuter safety amid the Holy Week rush.
The unannounced drug testing, part of LTO’s “Oplan Harabas” initiative, was conducted on April 14 at major transport terminals in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro district, and Barangay Mohon, Mandurriao district. A total of 156 drivers — covering taxis, tricycles, and modernized buses — were subjected to on-the-spot drug testing.
Of the total tested, four drivers yielded positive results and will undergo confirmatory testing through the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in accordance with the Dangerous Drugs Act.
LTO Region 6 director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II emphasized that even a single impaired driver on the road poses a serious threat to public safety.
“These findings, though involving only four drivers, highlight the urgency of continuous enforcement and monitoring. One drug-impaired driver is one too many,” he stressed.
The operation was carried out in coordination with PDEA, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Health (DOH), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Iloilo City Government.
LTO-6 assistant regional director Jeck Conlu reiterated the agency’s resolve to maintain a drug-free transport system. “We will persist in conducting unannounced operations to ensure the safety of the riding public,” Conlu said.
The surprise drug tests form part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) broader “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2025,” aimed at securing commuter safety during peak travel seasons./PN