By Sam Ramos
A surprise drug testing operation, part of “Oplan Harabas,” revealed that 20 out of 756 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in the Zamboanga Peninsula tested positive for illegal drug use, officials reported Thursday.
The operation, conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 9 on October 31, aligns with the “Undas” observance, aiming to enhance road safety and deter drug use among drivers in public transport, according to PDEA-9 Director Maharani Gadaoni-Tosoc.
Of those who tested positive, 12 were from Zamboanga City, seven from Zamboanga del Sur, and one from Zamboanga Sibugay. Drivers will be referred to their barangay anti-drug abuse councils and local social welfare offices for further assessment and rehabilitation.
“These drivers will undergo further evaluation and, upon confirmation, will be referred for intervention and rehabilitation at the barangay and municipal levels,” Tosoc said.
The 756 drivers tested included 230 from Zamboanga del Sur, 200 from Zamboanga Sibugay, 176 from Zamboanga City, and 150 from Zamboanga del Norte. Testing was conducted across major transport hubs, including Pagadian City’s Agora Terminal, Dipolog City’s Integrated Bus Terminal, Ipil’s Van Terminal, and Zamboanga City’s Divisoria Integrated Bus Terminal.
The multi-agency initiative, led by PDEA-9, involved the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Philippine National Police, and local government units, underscoring the region’s commitment to road safety and drug-free public transportation.