By CESAR JOLITO III

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that one personnel assigned to the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental was among six airport workers nationwide dismissed after testing positive for illegal drugs.

The dismissal followed a series of random drug tests conducted from February to August this year, covering 1,703 employees across 14 of the 44 airports operated by CAAP.

Apart from Bacolod-Silay, three cases were recorded in Butuan Airport, while General Santos International Airport and Ozamiz Airport each had one case.

CAAP flight surgeon chief Dr. Rolly Bayaban stressed that aviation safety heavily relies on the physical and mental fitness of its personnel.

“CAAP continues to prioritize this initiative. The safety and efficiency of aviation operations greatly depend on the physical and mental well-being of all aviation personnel,” Bayaban said.

The agency reassured the public that it upholds strict monitoring protocols and reinforced accountability among its workforce.

“Every flight within Philippine airspace is supported by a capable, drug-free workforce committed to the highest standards of aviation safety,” it added.

The dismissal of the Bacolod-Silay worker has drawn attention in Negros Occidental, as the airport serves as the main aviation gateway of the province, linking thousands of passengers daily to domestic and international destinations.

Local officials and aviation stakeholders said the measure sends a strong signal of zero tolerance for drug use within critical transport facilities./CJ, WDJ