Five public transport drivers in Western Visayas have been suspended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after testing positive for illegal drug use during surprise drug tests at various transport terminals.

As part of “Oplan Harabas,” the LTO and Department of Transportation (DOTr), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement units, conducted surprise mandatory drug tests on public utility drivers, as well as conductors, in various transport terminals. The operation aims to ensure road safety and promote a drug-free transport sector in preparation for the Undas 2025 travel period.

In a report by RH Jocelyn Maque, PDEA Region 6 spokesperson Maria Graziella Tanaleon said that a total of 1,013 individuals underwent the surprise drug test, including 876 drivers, 135 conductors, and two dispatchers from various transport terminals in Iloilo, Aklan, and Antique.

Of those tested, five drivers yielded positive results, which are four tricycle drivers from San Jose, Antique, and one truck driver from Caticlan, Aklan.

According to PDEA, the samples from those who tested positive will still undergo confirmatory testing.

Moreover, similar operations were also conducted in other major transport terminals across the country. At the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Metro Manila, none of the 159 drivers tested yielded positive results for illegal drug use, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that the agency plans to implement random drug testing in various areas as a regular policy, not only during Holy Week, Undas, or Christmas.