BACOLOD CITY – The Land Transportation Office of Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) revoked the driver’s licenses of six public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Bacolod City after they tested positive for drugs during random surprise drug tests on October 29 at the Bacolod North Terminal.
The operation, dubbed “Oplan Harabas,” was conducted by LTO-NIR in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-NIR) and other government agencies.
Out of 100 drivers tested, two traditional jeepney drivers and four modernized jeepney drivers tested positive.
LTO-NIR Officer-In-Charge Director Jeck Conlu confirmed on Monday that the six tested positive for using illegal drugs, particularly “shabu.”
As a result, the agency has moved to permanently revoke the driver’s licenses of the six, effectively imposing a perpetual disqualification from holding a driver’s license.
The action is fully backed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Atty. Giovanni Lopez and LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao.
“LTO-NIR is determined to ensure that every PUV driver is drug-free and fit to drive, aggressively eliminating any threat posed by impaired drivers to public safety on the region’s roads,” Conlu said in a statement.
“Oplan Harabas” was part of the DOTr’s “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2025” campaign, specifically aimed at ensuring passenger safety during peak travel seasons. (Richard Caballero Jr. via tvds)