At Cebu South Bus Terminal: Surprise drug test for drivers

CEBU, Philippines — In observance of Kalag-Kalag 2024, not only were routine checkpoints conducted, but a surprise drug test was also administered to public transportation drivers at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CBST) yesterday, October 29, 2024.

Dubbed as Oplan Harabas: Project Undaspot, personnel of Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Central Visayas and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 targeted 51 bus and taxi drivers in a drug-test yesterday to check if they are into illegal drugs.

According to Atty. Froilan Suarez, Operations Division Officer of LTO-7, the initiative is part of their mandate in ensuring road safety, especially during this season where an influx of passengers is expected to go home in their respective provinces or hometowns.

Suarez said none of the 51 drivers tested for illegal use of drugs during the screening. Suarez said that drivers who will be tested positive will have their licenses confiscated and will undergo a confirmatory test. If positive, they will be required to undergo rehabilitation.

After completing their rehabilitation they will be given certification that will be used by LTO-7 to bring back their driver’s license.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) is now on full alert status for their "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2024".

CPA General Manager Francisco C. Comendador III highlighted the importance of passenger safety, announcing they will implement round-the-clock security starting October 31 to November 5 to ensure safety within the port premises.

This is alongside the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) who will be implementing heightened operations across all ports in Cebu.

“CPA will deploy explosive detection dogs across all CPA port terminals,” said Comendador.

In order to avoid overcrowding, they will also be enforcing a “No ticket, No ID, No Entry Policy”. With this, the travelers are encouraged to book their tickets in advance and be present at the port at least two hours before the scheduled departure.

CPA officials also advised the passengers to report any resale of tickets at excessive prices.

First-aid stations and Malasakit Help Desks (MHDs) will be made available to passenger terminals to address any passenger concerns or emergencies that may arise.  — /FPL (FREEMAN)