Oplan Harabas is part of the agency’s effort to road safety measures and security of passengers this coming All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day.
Some PDEA personnel trooped to the four major terminals in Davao Region: Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), Tagum Overland Transport Integrated Terminal (TOTIT), Digos City New Satellite Bus Terminal, and Gaisano Mall of Davao Van Transport Terminal to subject drivers and conductors of public transport services to drug testing.
Apart from drug testing, the PDEA also conducts K9 sweeping inspections to ensure that the riding public has no possession of illegal substances.
Various agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board, Highway Patrol Group and other law enforcement agencies, joined the PDEA in the undertaking.
PDEA 11 Director Naravy Defensor-Duquiatan underscored the importance of the surprise drug testing to bus, vans, and taxi drivers in securing the riding public under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol as well.
“Actually this is a project of the LTO 11 headed by director Neil Cañedo in relation to the implementation of Republic Act 10586 or the anti-drug and drunk driving act of 2013,” according to Duquiatan when interviewed by News Fort.
“Ato ning ginahimo para we are expecting an influx of passengers going to the provinces and going to Davao City. Kini ang atong purpose para lang gyud ma-secure ang riding public nga walay illegal nga droga atong ginabitbit sa mga pasahero at the same time ang mga drivers are not under the influence of drugs and alcohol,” Duquiatan said.
The driver who will refuse to undergo drug testing will be reported to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for proper disposition, the PDEA 11 director said.
Those who test positive for drug use will also have their driver’s license confiscated, pending the issuance of their clearance from the agency.
They should also undergo rehabilitation to reclaim their license.
Photos from PDEA