PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – “Bao-Bao” drivers in this city who recently underwent random drug testing during the conduct of Oplan Harabas, express support for the initiative.
“Okay ra kaayo (na gi-drug test mi) para matataw gyud unsay dagan sa atong kinabuhi,” Buenefedo Ramirez said. “Suportado jud nato na kay para na sa atong kaayuhan,” he added.
(It’s okay for us to undergo drug testing so that we can clearly see where we stand. We fully support this because it’s for our own good.)
Rock Raymond Cabanada, 31 years old, shared the same sentiment. “Okay ra man (na nag-drug test) para mahibal-an kung kinsa gyud ang naggamit. Dapat dili gyud mugamit ug ingon ana kay di maayo, samot nag ga-drive,” Cabanada said.
(It is appropriate to conduct these drug tests so that those who are using it can be identified. This substance should not be used, especially by the drivers.)
Meanwhile, Edmar Mahinay who has been a Bao-Bao driver for five years shared that this is his first time to undergo a drug test, and he’s confident that he will get a negative result. “Wala man tay daotang binuhatan. Wala ko katilaw ana, kay kahibalo ko na bawal na,” Mahinay said.
(I have no involvement in any wrongdoing. I have never tried it because I know it’s prohibited.)
On October 31, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)- 9 ramped up its implementation of Oplan Harabas across the Zamboanga Peninsula, in line with the annual observance of ‘Undas’. This initiative is designed to curb illegal drug activities and promote safety among public transport sectors, involves rigorous inspections and drug testing of drivers, primarily those operating public utility vehicles in time for holy season.
A total of 20 drivers across the Zamboanga Peninsula tested positive for illegal drug use during the operations, which involved drug testing for 756 drivers.
Results showed one positive case among 200 drivers tested in Zamboanga Sibugay; seven positive cases out of 230 in Zamboanga del Sur; and twelve out of 176 in Zamboanga City. Zamboanga del Norte, however, reported no positive cases among the 150 drivers tested.
These individuals will receive support from their respective barangay or municipal anti-drug abuse councils, along with local social welfare officers, to help them address and recover from substance use.
The Oplan Harabas operation is conducted by PDEA in collaboration with the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Philippine National Police and with the support of the local government unit.
PDEA-9 Information Officer Daramalyn Jumlail emphasized the value of the initiative, encouraging drivers to participate without fear or worry.
“Ang ating activity ngayon ay hindi po harassment sa ating mga drivers. Ginagawa lang po natin ito upang mailayo ang mga drivers natin sa paggamit ng illegal na droga. Because, sa kanilang kamay nakasalalay ang buhay ng ating riding public,” Jumlail said.
(Our activity today is not meant to harass our drivers. We are doing this to help keep them away from illegal drug use, as the safety of the riding public is in their hands.) (EDT/CCP/PIA9)
