PDEA conducts surprise drug test on bus drivers for Undas

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday conducted surprise drug test on bus drivers in various bus terminals in Pasay and Quezon cities to ensure the safety of passengers who will travel during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Operatives from PDEA, as well as personnel from the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, flocked to bus terminals in the two cities to conduct surprise mandatory drug test and K9 sweeping as part of the Oplan UNDASPOT.

"The possibility that the bus drivers use illegal drugs to counter fatigue and keep them alert cannot be discounted,” PDEA chief Director General Aaron Aquino said.

“Any driver who refuses to undergo the mandatory drug test and the drug test result will be immediately endorsed to LTO for proper action,” Aquino added.

Meanwhile, PDEA Regional Offices were also directed to conduct the same inspection within their respective areas of responsibilities in coordination with the concerned agencies.

During the conduct of drug test, drug preventive information, education and communication (IEC) materials were also distributed.

A report by Mark Salazar on Balitanghali said bus drivers and passengers were both in favor of the drug test.

It also said that since PDEA started with its mandatory drug test in bus terminals last year, it has 19,087 people, of which 213 — or more or less 1% — tested positive for illegal drug use. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News