By CESAR JOLITO III

Four drivers of public utility vehicles tested positive in a surprise drug screening conducted at the Bacolod North Jeep Terminal yesterday morning, Holy Wednesday, as authorities stepped up enforcement under the Holy Week road safety campaign.

The operation, dubbed Oplan Harabas, was carried out by the Land Transportation Office’s Negros Island Region (NIR) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Highway Patrol Group, and Police Station 3.

Authorities said the surprise drug testing covered around 200 drivers operating modernized and traditional jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, and transport network vehicle service units.

The Bacolod North Jeep Terminal became the focus of the enforcement activity aimed at ensuring a drug-free and safe transport sector during the anticipated surge of passengers for Holy Week travel.

Officials said the four drivers who yielded positive results are subject to appropriate legal and administrative procedures in line with existing transport and anti-drug regulations.

The LTO-NIR stressed that the initiative is part of continuing efforts to promote discipline among drivers and ensure commuter safety, especially during peak travel periods when public transport demand is high./CJ, WDJ