Nine taxi and bus drivers in Cebu tested positive during surprise drug testing conducted at the Cebu North and South Bus Terminals on Monday, March 30.
The drug testing formed part of Oplan Harabas: “Project Huli-Week,” an operation aimed at ensuring passenger safety as a surge of travelers is expected to head to the provinces during the Holy Week period.
According to reports, as of 12:50 p.m., about 150 drivers were tested at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. Among them, one taxi driver tested positive in the initial screening.
At the Cebu South Bus Terminal, authorities tested 197 drivers. Results showed that three taxi drivers and five bus drivers tested positive in the initial drug tests.
Officials said all drivers who tested positive in the initial screening will undergo confirmatory drug testing and other required procedures.
The confirmatory testing and related processes will be handled by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu, Land Transportation Office Region 7 Regional Director Atty. Wendel C. Dinglasan said drivers who test positive in confirmatory testing may face the revocation of their driver’s licenses.
The surprise drug testing operation was conducted through coordination among several government agencies. These included the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Philippine Coast Guard.
Local government units of Cebu City and Cebu Province also supported the operation as part of ongoing transport safety preparations for the expected increase in passenger travel during Holy Week.
