A total of 9 taxi, tricycle and jeepney drivers were tested positive of illegal drugs during a surprise mandatory drug testing conducted at the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) in Divisoria under the program dubbed Oplan Harabas initiated by the Zamboanga City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ZCADAC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-9).

The 9 who turned out positive were part of the 82 drivers and conductors who were subjected to drug tests at the IBT last Friday, April 8. Of the 9 positive, 7 were taxi drivers, 1 tricycle driver and 1 jeepney driver.

The 83 tested were 12 bus drivers, 8 bus conductors, 18 taxi drivers, 30 tricycle drivers and 14 jeepney drivers.        

The surprise mandatory drug test formed part of Oplan Harabas, a drug-free workplace program for the public transport sector. It was conducted in collaboration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO9), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).                          

PDEA Zamboanga City Agent Jury Rocamora said following procedures, the City Health office (CHO) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will implement the appropriate intervention after assessment of those found positive.

The PDEA will endorse to the CHO Monday, April 11, the names of those found positive as twell as the accomplished ASSIST form for proper intervention. (Sheila Covarrubias)