MANILA, Philippines – Twenty-five personnel of private towing companies accredited by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have tested positive for drug use, the MMDA said yesterday.
The MMDA said 377 employees of towing firms underwent drug tests over the weekend.
Victor Nuñez, officer-in-charge of the MMDA’s Towing and Impounding Department, said those who tested positive for using shabu and other illegal drugs would be barred from engaging in towing operations.
The tow trucks of those who tested positive for drug use were also subjected to smoke emission tests, Nuñez said.
The identification cards issued by the MMDA to the personnel of the towing companies were also confiscated by the agency.
The MMDA said 78 personnel of towing companies in Metro Manila failed the mandatory drug testing done from May 2015 to January this year.
Those who tested positive for drug use have been dismissed by their employers, Nuñez said.
The MMDA said a majority of those who tested positive for drug use were shabu users.
The agency suspended the accreditation of 10 towing firms last year following various complaints from motorists.