• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Seven transport drivers tested positive for drugs during a joint random drug testing conducted at the Bacolod North Bus Terminal in Barangay Bata Oct. 30.
The surprise operation, conducted under “Oplan Harabas-Undas 2026”, was spearheaded by the Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR), alongside the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police.
Out of 100 drivers tested, four tricycle drivers, two truck drivers, and one taxi driver tested positive for illegal drug use.
The LTO-NIR said the seven drivers will undergo confirmatory laboratory testing to validate the initial findings and determine appropriate administrative sanctions.
LTO-NIR OIC regional director Jeck Conlu and assistant RD Monico Puentevella Jr. led the initiative, with the latter voluntarily taking the test first to signal agency compliance, ahead of the heavy travel rush for Undas. | TMD
