SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – In the midst of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident in Benguet that left 42 people dead, authorities will conduct random drug testing on all drivers of public utility vehicles in the region.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional office director Roberto Opeña said the random drug testing would be immediately implemented following reports that some bus drivers are using drugs to keep them awake on long drives.
“We intend to conduct random testing of the drivers and conductors to deter them from using drugs, and as a way of protecting (the public),” Opeña said.
Opeña revealed their suspicions were bolstered by Jan. 26 arrest of bus dispatcher Alfredo Rivera, who was caught selling shabu to some drivers and conductors of Eso-Nice transport firm.
Eso-Nice is the owner and operator of the bus that fell off a ravine in Benguet last Wednesday that killed 42 people.The driver of the ill-fated bus, Romeo Subang, was among the eight who survived the accident.
“This gives credence to reports that several road accidents involving public transport vehicles might not have been due to mechanical trouble but rather because the driver was under the influence of dangerous drugs,” Opeña said.
Opeña said Subang, who is now recuperating at a hospital for broken ribs sustained during the accident, would be tested for drug use.
PDEA chief Dionisio Santiago said the increasing trend of road accidents indicate their suspicions that a lot of drivers are under the influence of drugs in the effort to stay awake behind the wheel.
“We have seen an alarming rise in these incidences where drivers are believed to be using dangerous drugs to stay awake especially if they are driving overnight or over long distances,” he said.
Santiago urged transport groups to implement stricter measures and encourage drug testing of their drivers.
“We are optimistic that our counterparts in the transport sector will cooperate with us so that we can lessen the incidences of drug-related road accidents,” Santiago said.
The police, on the other hand, have accounted for and identified all the 42 victims in the accident. –With Jerry Botial, Artemio Dumlao