By CESAR JOLITO III

Six public utility vehicle drivers in Bacolod City tested positive for illegal drug use following a surprise and random drug test at the North Bound Terminal yesterday as part of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Negros Island Region’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos! Undas Campaign, which aims to ensure the safety of commuters during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

LTO-NIR Regional Director Jeck Conlu said a total of 100 public transport personnel — including bus, taxi, tricycle, and jeepney drivers, as well as conductors and dispatchers — were subjected to the test.

Of the six who tested positive, four were drivers of modernized jeepneys, while two were drivers of traditional jeepneys.

Conlu said the results are still subject to confirmatory testing, but the six drivers have been temporarily suspended pending verification.

Their driver’s licenses have been confiscated to prevent them from operating public utility vehicles until further notice.

The drug testing operation was carried out in coordination with the Highway Patrol Group and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“This operation is part of our continuing effort to make sure that only fit and responsible drivers are on the road, especially this Undas when thousands of passengers are traveling,” Conlu said.

The LTO reminded all public transport drivers that drug use while driving endangers passengers and other motorists, warning that confirmed violators will face administrative and criminal charges, including possible revocation of their driver’s licenses.

The Oplan Biyaheng Ayos! initiative also includes vehicle inspections, road safety checks and intensified law enforcement operations across terminals on Negros Island to ensure safe travel during the long weekend./CJ, WDJ