Simultaneous surprise mandatory drug test to bus drivers and K9 sweeping at bus terminals in Pasay City and Quezon City were conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to ensure the safety of passengers travelling for the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino said the agency implemented OPLAN “UNDASPOT” in coordination with Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to ensure the safety of passengers, especially those who are going to their provinces to observe the holidays, and to prevent illegal drug traffickers to take advantage of the influx of people and busy operations in these terminals to transport illegal drugs.
On October 28, 2019, PDEA, together with LTO and LTFRB, proceeded to JAC Liner Bus Terminal, Philtranco, both located in Pasay City; Partas Bus Terminal, Five Star Bus Terminal, both located in Cubao, Quezon City, to conduct surprise mandatory drug test and K9 sweeping.
The PDEA chief said that long trips, particularly by provincial drivers, may be detrimental to the safety of the passengers due to fatigue. “Thus, the possibility that the bus drivers use illegal drugs to counter fatigue and keep them alert cannot be discounted,” Aquino pointed out.
“Any driver who refuses to undergo the mandatory drug test and the drug test result will be immediately endorsed to LTO for proper action,” Aquino said.
PDEA Regional Offices were also directed to conduct the same within their respective areas of responsibilities in coordination with concerned agencies.
Based on PDEA’s records from the time OPLAN “UNDASPOT” (October 29-31, 2018), OPLAN HULI WEEK (April 15-16, 2019), and OPLAN “HARABAS” (March 29, 2019 and May 16, 2019) were conducted, a total of 19,087 drivers, conductors, helpers and employees of public transport services and terminal underwent the drug test, 213 or 1.11% of whom yielded positive result for use of shabu and marijuana.
During the operation, drug preventive information, education and communication (IEC) materials were also distributed.