2 soldiers, 6 drivers positive of drug use

CEBU, Philippines - Six public utility drivers and two soldiers were tested positive of using illegal drugs during a random drug test conducted by the Land Transportation Office and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, respectively.

The six public utility drivers were among the 50 PUJ, taxi and mini bus drivers flagged down by the LTO operatives yesterday along N. Bacalso Avenue. LTO-7 operatives resumed the roadside drug testing as part of the agency’s effort to lessen road accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs.

LTO-7 director Raul Aguilos said four of those tested positive were PUJ drivers, one taxi driver, and mini bus driver. They were all found positive of using shabu. The initial result however is still subject of a confirmatory test in Manila.

But pending the result of the confirmatory test, the six drivers will no longer be allowed to continuing driving as their licenses have been confiscated. As soon as the test result will be confirmed, their license will be completely revoked.

They will also be subjected to mandatory drug rehabilitation and will be fined P10,000. Aguilos said that the roadside drug testing is part of their 10-year road safety program.

Meanwhile, AFP-Central Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus yesterday confirmed that two of their personnel have been tested positive of using illegal drugs.

Tampus refused to reveal the names of the soldiers pending the result of the confirmatory test being undertaken at the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory.

The two are now placed under custody and are restricted to go out of the camp pending investigation. Tampus said they have subjected at least 350 soldiers, civilian employees and officials to random drug test last Monday to get rid of drug users in the military.

“This is to clean the Armed Forces from illegal drugs due to reports nga some soldiers were using drugs,” Tampus told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.

Acting Centcom commander Major Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. vowed to discharge the two soldiers from services if proven guilty of using illegal drugs. - THE FREEMAN