6 drivers test positive for drug use in Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY , Philippines —  Six drivers were found positive for illegal drug use during a surprise drug test conducted at major transport terminals in Western Visayas yesterday, ahead of the expected influx of commuters on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days this weekend.

The six were among 1,013 public transport drivers, conductors and dispatchers subjected to drug testing by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 6 (PDEA-6) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) under Oplan Harabas.

The PDEA-6 said Oplan Harabas aims to ensure that drivers are fit to transport passengers safely to their destinations and are not under the influence of illegal drugs. It also involves a K9 sweeping operation to ensure safety in public transport terminals.

Ralph Rommel Torres, PDEA-6 chief, said the operation also aims to prevent the transport of illegal drugs through public vehicles.

PDEA-6 information officer Ma. Graziella Tanaleon said five of those who failed the drug test are tricycle drivers from Antique while the sixth is a truck driver in Caticlan in Malay, Aklan.

Those who failed the test were referred for confirmatory testing, although their licenses were already confiscated by the LTO, Tanaleon said.

Among the transport hubs inspected were the old Tagbak and Mohon terminals in Jaro and Arevalo  districts in Iloilo City; Caticlan jetty port in Malay, Aklan; Pueblo De Panay in Roxas City, and Funda Dalipe in San Jose, Antique.

Meanwhile, in Quezon, the provincial police office intensified its security and traffic management operations under Oplan Undas 2025, deploying more than 3,500 police, fire, military and security volunteer personnel across the province.

Col. Romulo Albacea, Quezon police provincial director, said the main focus is on preventing road congestion and ensuring public safety along major highways and transport terminals.

“We are learning from last year’s experience. Our focus now is to improve traffic management and public safety based on the lessons we learned,” Albacea said.

He added that police are coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways, particularly in Lopez and Calauag towns where roadworks are causing bottlenecks.

Albacea advised the public that heavy trucks and trailers are not allowed to pass through Lopez town proper during peak hours.

“If everyone follows traffic laws, we won’t need to deploy such a large number of personnel. But we are prepared to ensure public order and safety,” Albacea said.