PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), along with local law enforcement agencies, conducted simultaneous drug testing on tricycle and bus drivers as well as conductors at the Integrated Bus Terminal in Pagadian City, coinciding with the Lenten season.

PDEA Regional Director Maharani R. Gadaoni-Tosoc explained the significance of the operation “Harabas”.

“Ang main goal talaga nito ay i-ensure natin ang ating mga drivers ay free from illegal drug activities,” she said.

(The primary objective of this operation is to ensure that our drivers are free from involvement in illegal drug activities)

Tosoc emphasized that during this time of increased travel due to the Lenten season, many individuals are traveling to and from cities. She stressed the necessity to guarantee the safety of passengers and facilitate their smooth travel to their destinations.

Simultaneous operations were conducted in the cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog, and Pagadian in the Zamboanga Peninsula. PDEA has recorded a total of 319 individuals who underwent drug tests, resulting in seven (7) who tested positive; one (1) in Pagadian and six (6) in Zamboanga.

Tosoc stated that those who tested positive during the operation would be referred to the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) for screening. If confirmed positive, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will temporarily confiscate their licenses, leading to the work suspension. Tosoc further elaborated that these individuals would undergo rehabilitation before they could resume their duties.

Tosoc appealed to the drivers and conductors. “Sa mga drivers natin and conductors, nakataya kasi sa buhay ninyo ang seguridad ng mga pasahero. Kaya pakiusap ko sa inyo na iwasan natin ang paggamit ng mga illegal na droga,” she urged.

(To our drivers and conductors, the safety of the passengers is at stake in your life. So I am asking you to avoid using illegal drugs.)

Operation Harabas was brought into focus through the implementation of random drug testing for bus, van, and tricycle drivers, as well as conductors, in accordance with RA 10586, also known as the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013. The objective was to ensure the safety of the traveling public by identifying drivers who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, particularly in anticipation of the Lenten season. (KSA/RVC/HTB/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)