Six public utility drivers tested positive for drug use during a surprise “Oplan Harabas” operation conducted by the Land Transportation Office–Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) at the Ceres North Terminal in Bacolod City, Thursday morning, Oct. 30.
Out of 100 drivers tested, six, composed of two traditional jeepney drivers and four modern bus drivers, were found positive for illegal drug use, LTO-NIR Acting Director Jeck Conlu said.
Their driver’s licenses were immediately suspended, pending confirmatory testing.
The operation was carried out in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-NIR and other partner law enforcement agencies as part of the government’s intensified campaign against drug-impaired driving.
Conlu said road safety remains non-negotiable.
“If the confirmatory test is still positive, we will recommend the permanent revocation of their driver’s licenses,” he said.
The LTO-NIR reiterated that operations like Oplan Harabas will continue unannounced across Negros Island to ensure that all Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers are drug-free and fit to drive, safeguarding commuters and communities.*