The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported a 12.5% decline in the number of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors who tested positive for illegal drugs during its nationwide Oplan Harabas campaign for Undas 2026.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said 63 out of 5,479 drivers and conductors subjected to surprise drug testing from October 26 to 31 tested positive, down from 72 recorded among 5,909 individuals tested in 2025.
Of the 63 individuals, 62 tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, while one tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Region 9 recorded the highest number of drug-positive transport workers with 22, followed by Region 4A with 10, Central Visayas with eight, and Northern Mindanao with five.
Nerez attributed the decline to the continuing efforts of PDEA and its partner agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to address illegal drug use among public transport workers.
"Oplan Harabas is a nationwide PDEA operation that involves simultaneous, surprise mandatory drug testing of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors to ensure that they are not under the influence of illegal drugs while on the road," Nerez said.
"Through this initiative, we aim to prevent road accidents, protect passenger safety, and promote a drug-free public transport system," he added.
