North Mindanao drivers, conductors undergo surprise drug tests

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Among about a hundred drivers and conductors who were subjected to a surprise drug test by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Northern Mindanao, only one tested positive while another refused to undergo testing.

A bus conductor, whose name was withheld, tested positive for illegal drug use, according to Nelson Manaloto, LTO-Northern Mindanao regional director.

“It was a surprise drug test on conductors and drivers of buses, taxis and UV Express,” Manaloto said, referring to utility vehicles.

The testing was conducted in two integrated bus terminals in Barangay Lapasan in this city over the weekend.

The LTO is waiting for the results of a confirmatory or second test done on the conductor from a drug testing laboratory.

Should the second test turn out positive, the conductor will be advised to attend a community-based rehabilitation program in the village where he resides, Manaloto said.

The conductor was advised to take a leave of absence until the result of his confirmatory test is released.

During the surprise drug test, a driver of a UV Express vehicle refused to subject himself to the examination, Manaloto said.

“He did not want to undergo drug test. We confiscated his license and put it on alarm. We issued him a show-cause order, asking him to explain why he does not want to undergo the test,” Manaloto said.

If the driver fails to justify his refusal, he will be recommended for suspension or revocation of his license.

Manaloto said it would be up to the adjudicator to decide whether to revoke the driver‘s license or not.

“The fact that none of the drivers tested positive for illegal drug use showed that the number of drug users in the public transport sector in the region has gone down,” he said.