BACOLOD City — In a bid to ensure passenger safety during the Holy Week travel rush, the Land Transportation Office–Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) conducted a surprise drug testing operation on public utility drivers at the Bacolod North Jeepney Terminal on Holy Wednesday, April 1.
The unannounced operation, dubbed “Oplan Harabas,” was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–NIR (PDEA-NIR), the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and Police Station 3.
LTO-NIR Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu said the initiative aims to protect commuters amid the expected surge in travelers during the Lenten season.
Around 200 drivers were subjected to random drug testing, including operators of both modernized and traditional jeepneys, as well as drivers of taxis, tricycles, and Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units.
Conlu said the activity highlights the government’s intensified campaign to promote road safety, enforce discipline among public transport drivers, and maintain a drug-free transportation sector.
“This is part of our proactive measures to ensure that drivers on the road are fit to operate and that passengers can travel safely, especially during peak periods like Holy Week,” he said.
He added that the operation covered not only city-based drivers but also those coming from nearby areas, making the terminal a strategic location for the enforcement activity.
Results of the drug tests are expected to be released upon completion of the operation./PN
