Undas: Bus driver tests positive in ‘Oplan Harabas’ in South Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY — A bus driver tested positive in an initial drug screening of 200 transport workers at three terminals in Koronadal City and General Santos City ahead of Undas, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 12 (PDEA-12) said.

Asnawi Salik, PDEA-12 Assistant regional director, said the annual Oplan Harabas aims to ensure that public utility vehicle drivers are not under the influence of illegal drugs while transporting passengers during the holiday rush.

The screening was conducted on Oct. 27 at the Koronadal Integrated Transport Terminal Complex and the Yellow Bus Terminal in Koronadal City, and the General Santos City Public Terminal.

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The drug-positive driver’s specimen will undergo confirmatory testing to establish the final result.

Salik said drivers who test positive are subject to the confiscation of their driver’s licenses and suspension by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The workers screened included 62 bus drivers, 64 bus conductors, 66 van drivers, one mini-bus driver, four taxi drivers and three tricycle drivers.

Authorities also conducted K9 inspections at the terminals but detected no illegal drugs.

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The operation was carried out in coordination with the LTO-12, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 12, the Philippine National Police, and the local governments of Koronadal City and General Santos City.

Oplan Harabas supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, and the government’s Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2026.

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Salik reminded public utility vehicle drivers to ensure they are fit to drive, stressing that their passengers’ lives depend on their safety behind the wheel.