LTO-NIR Urges Safe, Drug-Free Public Transport for Holy Week

The Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) urged the public transport sector to ensure road safety during the Holy Week after four truck drivers failed the “Oplan Harabas” surprise drug test on Wednesday.

“The operation aims to ensure the safety of the riding public during the Holy Week travel surge. To the drivers, especially those in public transportation, don’t use illegal drugs and don’t drink when you are driving,” LTO-NIR OIC Regional Director Jeck Conlu said in an interview.

He warned violators that the LTO would go after them and revoke their driver’s license.

“The Department of Transportation and the LTO will not tolerate actions that put passengers’ safety at risk,” Conlu said.

The four truck drivers who tested positive were among the 200 public transport drivers who underwent drug testing during the “Oplan Harabas” enforcement operation at the Bacolod City North Jeepney Terminal.

Oplan Harabas is jointly conducted by the LTO-NIR, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group. The initiative is part of the LTO-NIR’s ongoing efforts to promote road safety, discipline among public utility drivers, and a drug-free transport sector.

Targeted for random drug testing were drivers of modernized and traditional jeepneys, as well as those plying taxis, tricycles, and transportation network vehicle service units.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)