ILOILO City – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted unannounced random drug tests yesterday on drivers of public utility vehicles, trucks and even motorcycles here.
A total of144 drivers were tested. All passed the test.
PDEA’s “Oplan Harabas” aimed to ensure the safety of the riding public by weeding out public transport drivers who were into illegal drugs, said Regional Director Alex Tablate.
Helping PDEA in testing the drivers were the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Department of Health.
“With these partner agencies, we prevented drivers from resisting taking drug tests,” said Tablate.
PDEA agents tested public transport drivers at the Parola Ferry Terminal, Barangay Ortiz, Philippine Ports Authority Commercial Port Complex, and Hibao-an transport terminal in Barangay Hibao-an Norte, Mandurriao district all in this city, and in Concepcion, Iloilo.
“This also aims to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and promote drug-free workplaces,” said Tablate.
PDEA-6 plans to make unannounced drug testing a regular activity, perhaps on a monthly basis, according to the director.
“Napakarami na ang mga road accidents so dapat mag-conduct tayo ng monthly drug test,” said Tablate. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
