ILOILO — A sweeping anti-drug crackdown on public transport has netted eight drivers testing positive for illegal substances, prompting immediate license confiscations and raising fresh concerns over commuter safety across Western Visayas.
The surprise operation, dubbed “Oplan Harabas: Project Huli-Week,” subjected 1,322 drivers and conductors to random drug testing from March 30 to 31, 2026 — just as passenger traffic is expected to surge for the Holy Week exodus.
Authorities reported that eight individuals — comprising one jeepney driver, five tricycle drivers, and two taxi drivers — tested positive for illegal drugs.
They are now undergoing confirmatory testing, while their licenses were immediately confiscated to prevent them from operating vehicles.
The operation, led by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other government agencies, covered major transport hubs in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo, including the Iloilo International Airport and busy terminals in Tagbac, Mohon, and Pavia.
Dogs trained to detect illegal drugs were also deployed to intensify inspections in high-traffic areas.
LTO-6 regional director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II stressed that the crackdown is aimed at preventing drug-related road accidents during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
“We are determined to uphold our commitment to road safety by ensuring that those who operate public vehicles are free from the influence of illegal drugs, especially during peak travel periods,” Geduspan stated.
The intensified operation is anchored on Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, reinforcing the government’s push for a drug-free public transport system.
Authorities said the operation specifically targeted drivers and conductors of buses, taxis, and vans-for-hire to ensure that those behind the wheel are fit for duty./PN
