10 drivers test positive for drugs in Holy Week campaign

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the licenses of 10 public utility vehicle drivers after they tested positive for illegal drugs during surprise drug tests conducted ahead of the Holy Week travel period in Naga and Legazpi cities.

According to Glenn Mancera, chief of the LTO Bicol Operations Division, a total of 193 public transport drivers participated in the drug tests during the “Oplan Harabas” campaign, which was held at the Bicol Central Station in Naga City and the Grand Terminal in Legazpi City in April 15.

Of the 10 drivers who tested positive for drug use, five were bus drivers, one was a utility van driver, and three were tricycle drivers.

The Oplan Harabas drug testing was a collaborative effort of the LTO and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Mancera said that the licenses of drivers who tested positive on April 15 were confiscated and suspended while awaiting confirmatory test results to verify the initial findings.

If the confirmatory test is also positive, the drivers will be referred to local anti-drug councils for rehabilitation programs, he said.

Their licenses will not be reinstated until they have been cleared of illegal drug use, he added.  (PIA Bicol)