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[av_heading heading=’Free drug test for drivers ends Dec. 3′ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
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ILOILO City – The free drug testing for public utility jeepney and taxi drivers in this city being offered by the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) will end tomorrow, Dec. 3.
“Almost all” members of the Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (ICLAJODA) have already taken the test, explained Raymundo Parcon, association president.
The few who have yet to take the test have until this Saturday to avail themselves of the free service.
As of Nov. 29, 2,905 drivers already took the test (2,326 jeepney drivers and 579 taxi drivers). None tested positive, said Parcon.
The free drug testing was the brainchild of Chief Superintendent Jose Gentiles, regional police director. It aims to protect both drivers and passengers.
“Most vehicular accidents are attributed to drivers under the influence of illegal drugs or liquor,” Gentiles said.
Taking the drug test, however, is voluntary, clarified Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, PRO-6 spokesperson.
Drivers who pass the test will get cards certifying their being drug-free. Those who fail won’t be prosecuted but will be encouraged to under community-based rehabilitation in Camp Delgado, said Gorero.
PRO-6 recorded 11,000 road accidents from January to October this year.
The 66-year-old Hardenado Sucgang, driver of a Calumpang passenger jeepney, was the first to be tested when the program started early this month.
“Manami ining programa. Kun negative ikaw sa drug test, hatagan kami sang identification cards nga nagapamatuod nga indi kami adik,” Sucgang said.
Sucgang has been driving a jeepney for the past 30 years./PN
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