22 PUV drivers in Zamboanga test positive for drugs in ‘Oplan Harabas’

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philippines — A total of 22 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers across the Zamboanga Peninsula region tested positive for illegal drug use during a surprise drug testing operation conducted at various transport terminals in time for the observance of Undas on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office IX (PDEA-RO9), in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine National Police (PNP), local anti-drug abuse councils, bus terminal managements, and bus company Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc., executed the simultaneous inter-agency operation dubbed “Oplan Harabas.”

Out of 1,213 drivers and conductors subjected to drug testing regionwide, 22 drivers were positive on screening results for illicit drug use. They included 17 tricycle drivers, three jeepney drivers, one bus driver, and one van driver.

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According to PDEA-RO9, Zamboanga City recorded the highest number of drug-positive drivers with ten cases, followed by Zamboanga del Sur with five, Zamboanga del Norte with four, and Zamboanga Sibugay with three.

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The initial positive screening tests will be subjected to laboratory confirmatory testing. Pending the official results, the LTO has temporarily confiscated the drivers’ licenses. Drivers whose results are confirmed positive will be referred to their respective local anti-drug abuse councils for proper rehabilitation and intervention programs.

READ: 10 Calabarzon PUV drivers test positive in LTO drug tests

Aside from the drug screening, PDEA units deployed K-9 sweepers to inspect passenger baggage across major terminals to prevent illegal drugs from moving through key transit corridors.

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

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Authorities also distributed information, education and communication materials to commuters to bolster drug prevention awareness.

PDEA-RO9 Regional Director Bryan Babang commended partner agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders for their cooperation, stressing that keeping transport operators drug-free remains critical to commuter safety and road hazard prevention.

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PDEA-RO9 affirmed that inter-agency operations under Oplan Harabas will continue routinely across the region to ensure responsible driving practices and maintain public safety. /cb