3 PUV drivers test positive for drug use

CEBU, Philippines — Three public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers tested positive for illegal drug use during a surprise random drug testing conducted as part of inter-agency preparations for the anticipated surge in passengers this Holy Week and summer vacation.

The simultaneous testing took place at the Cebu North and South Bus Terminals in Cebu City and was spearheaded by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, and terminal management.

Of the 109 individuals screened—54 at the North Terminal and 55 at the South Terminal—two tested positive at the North and one at the South. Their urine samples will be subjected to confirmatory testing.

“Those who tested positive were assisted by PDEA 7 Regional Public Assistance Desk Officers for referral to appropriate drug treatment and rehab programs,” said PDEA-7 information officer Leia Alcantara.

Aside from the drug testing, the activity also included PUV operational worthiness inspections, K9 sweeping, and the distribution of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.

In a related initiative, PRO-7 conducted inspection rounds at major areas of convergence, including both bus terminals, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and Parkmall Terminal.

Leading the inspection was PRO-7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, who emphasized the need to secure places that may experience overcrowding.

Maranan also said the inspection at the Cebu South Bus Terminal aimed to assess the readiness of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel deployed there.

During the visit, PRO-7 distributed care packages containing medicines, water, biscuits, and other essentials to uniformed personnel, terminal staff, and some passengers. — (FREEMAN)