Six public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Bacolod City tested positive for illegal drugs during a surprise inspection on Thursday, October 30.
The operation, dubbed “Oplan Harabas,” was conducted by the Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-NIR) and other government agencies. Out of 100 drivers tested, two were jeepney drivers and four operated modern buses.
According to LTO-NIR Officer-in-Charge Director Jeck Conlu, the agency immediately suspended the licenses of those who tested positive. Their licenses were also confiscated pending confirmatory testing.
Conlu said that if the confirmatory tests still show positive results, the LTO will recommend the revocation of their licenses, permanently barring them from driving public vehicles.
The surprise testing aims to ensure that all PUV drivers remain drug-free and capable of safely operating on public roads. Conlu emphasized that the campaign will continue regularly as part of the agency’s commitment to road safety and public protection.
Authorities reminded transport operators and drivers to cooperate with government initiatives that aim to maintain drug-free public transport in Bacolod and across the country.
