The Land Transportation Office–Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) has permanently revoked the licenses of six public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who tested positive for illegal drug use during a surprise inspection in Bacolod City.
LTO-NIR Acting Regional Director Jeck Conlu said on Monday, Nov. 10, that the drivers tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” during the Oplan Harabas random drug testing conducted on October 29 at the Bacolod North Terminal.
The test results were confirmed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6 through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis.
The six drivers, two from traditional jeepneys and four from modern buses, were among 100 screened in a joint operation with the PDEA, Philippine National Police, Department of Health, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Bacolod City government.
Conlu said the revocation of their licenses includes a lifetime disqualification from securing another driver’s license, reinforcing the agency’s strict stance against drug use among transport operators.
He added that the operation forms part of the Department of Transportation’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2025 campaign, which ensures the safety of passengers during peak travel periods.
Conlu emphasized that LTO-NIR is determined to uphold road safety by ensuring all PUV drivers are drug-free and mentally fit to drive.*