DAVAO DEL NORTE (PIA)- – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Davao del Norte calls on the private sector, particularly the public utility vehicle (PUV) companies, to observe “drug-free workplace.”
Guesting in the recent episode of the Philippine Information Agency’ XI’s One Davao Presser, PDEA Davao del Norte Investigation Agent Julius Magdadaru said that their agency can continue to conduct spot drug-tests on drivers and conductors of PUVs even beyond peak seasons such as Undas and Christmas holidays.
He based his statement on Article V of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Article V of RA 9165 states the “Promotion of a National Drug-Free Workplace Program With the Participation of Private and Labor Sectors and the Department of Labor and Employment” and its Section 47 mandates the establishment of a “Drug-free Workplace.”
Guesting at the One Davao Presser, PDEA Davao del Norte Investigation Agent Julius Magdadaru said the PDEA can continue to conduct spot drug-tests on drivers and conductors of PUVs even beyond peak seasons such as Undas and Christmas holidays.
“Ato ni i-implement regularly bisan walay Oplan Harabas, pwede ta mag implement ug drug test (We will implement this regularly, even without Oplan Harabas, we can implement drug test),” he said.
While PDEA can readily conduct spot drug-testing, he called on employers to do their part of putting in place measures to ensure the safety and security of commuters.
“…and hopefully ang mga employers mag conduct with activities for the safety and security of the commuters, dili lang sa panahon sa peak season but regularly atong himoon (not only during peak season but regularly, let us do it),” he added.
His call was an offshoot of the results of the Oplan Harabas, which was the surprise drug-testing drive that PDEA, with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) XI, conducted at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), Digos City Overland Transport Terminal, and Gmall Bajada UVExpress Terminal in Davao City, and at the Tagum City Overland Transport Terminal on October 27 in line with the observance of Undas.
The OPLAN Harabas was in line with the Department of Transportation (DOTr)-
(Photo Credit: LTO XI)
LTO Memorandum titled “OPLAN BYAHENG AYOS!” to implement a heightened alert status during UNDAS 2023.
Aside from the PDEA XI and LTO XI personnel, the surprise drug-testing drive at the public transport terminals was joined by the Philippine National Police, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Local Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
Regionwide, a total of 600 PUV drivers and conductors of bus, jeepneys and vans were subjected to the surprise random drug-testing at public transport terminals.
LTO XI Regional Law Enforcement Services said that of the 600 tested, nine were found positive onsite. Samples of their urine underwent confirmatory test at the PDEA Regional Office Laboratory Test on October 28, 2023.
On October 29, LTO XI Regional Law Enforcement Services released the confirmatory test results in its social media page saying, “Results of the confirmatory test further confirms that the 9 individuals were indeed using illegal substances.”
Five of the nine PUV workers, who were confirmed positive of using illegal drugs, were intercepted at Tagum City Public Transport Terminal.
LTO XI Regional Law Enforcement Services added that “drivers were then issued a TOP (temporary operators permit) and a formal filing of case will proceed once all necessary documents will be compiled in consonance (with) certain provisions of RA 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.”
LTO XI issues TOP upon confiscating the license of drivers who have committed violations.
Magdadaru said the LTO imposed “perpetual revocation of licenses” on the confirmed positive who were then endorsed to their respective local government units for community-based rehabilitation. (JMDA/ PIA XI/ Photo courtesy: Tagum City Government and LTO XI)
