A SURPRISE nationwide implementation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Oplan: Harabas on Thursday resulted in the identification of 61 public transport drivers and conductors found to be using shabu and marijuana, PDEA chair, Director General Wilkins M. Villanueva said yesterday.

The official said the 61 public transport drivers, conductors and dispatchers were among the 4,210 who underwent a drug screening in Metro Manila and other parts of the country in line with their effort to ensure the protection of travelers during the Holy Week.

The drug tests were conducted in major bus, jeepney, tricycle and public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals nationwide, he said.

Out of the total drivers who yielded positive for the use of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu and marijuana, 20 were tricycle drivers; 10 were jeepney drivers; 11 were bus drivers; seven were van drivers; seven were tricycle drivers; five were conductors; and one dispatcher.

Those drivers who tested positive for drug use upon confirmatory test will not be allowed to travel and have their licenses confiscated by the Land Transportation Office. They must undergo appropriate intervention and reformation programs to be provided by their respective local Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils before reclaiming their licenses, said Villanueva.

The PDEA chief said they implemented the 2022 iteration of Oplan: Harabas as part of the agency’s holistic approach in reducing the demand for illegal drugs, promoting drug-free workplaces, and reformation.

The Agency also implemented the program to detect concealed illegal drugs in high-risk airports, seaports and public transport terminals thru the conduct of K-9 sweeping operations.

Director General Villanueva thanked the LTO, the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Philippine National Police and the and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for their valuable participation in the conduct of the Oplan: Harabas.

Done on a regular basis, Oplan: HArabas was implemented in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002”, and Republic Act No.10586, or the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013”, as well as Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation No. 2 Series of 2004 aimed to curb road accidents caused by drugged drivers.

“There is no doubt that there is a prevailing practice of drug use among the public transport driving population to keep awake while behind the wheel. Oplan: Harabas is an effective deterrent to lessen drug-related road accidents and protect innocent lives,” Villanueva said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon