According to PDEA 11 spokesman Noli Dimaandal, they were among the 600 bus, taxi, and van drivers, including conductors who underwent random drug screening to 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.
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.
The PDEA also conducts K9 sweeping inspections to ensure that the riding public has no possession of illegal substances.
Apart from PDEA and LTO, other government and law enforcement agencies such as Philippine National Police, Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board, Highway Patrol Group, joined the PDEA in this undertaking.
PDEA 11 Director Naravy Defensor-Duquiatan underscored the importance of the surprise drug testing on bus, vans, and taxi drivers to ensure the security of the riding public.
Those drivers who tested positive for illegal drug use will have their driver’s license confiscated, pending the issuance of their clearance from the agency. They should also undergo rehabilitation to reclaim their license.
These drivers will have to comply with various requirements in line with the intervention and reformation programs being implemented by the government.
Photo from PDEA 11