Up to 55 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Zamboanga Peninsula have tested positive for illegal drug use.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Zamboanga (PDEA-9), the 55 were among the 1,582 drivers who underwent the drug test in various bus terminals in the region.

Of the 55, 14 jeepney drivers and 14 tricycle drivers tested positive at the Zamboanga Integrated Bus Terminal in Zamboanga City.

At a bus terminal in Zamboanga del Sur, 10 van drivers and 13 tricycle drivers tested positive.

Four tricycle drivers also tested positive at a bus terminal in Zamboanga Sibugay.

PDEA-9 said those who tested positive will be referred to their respective Anti-Drug Abuse Council for intervention.

Their driver’s licenses have been confiscated temporarily by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

“Temporarily, naka-confiscate ang mga driver’s licenses, andoon sa LTO, pero makukuha nila ulit once ma-complete nila ang intervention program,” PDEA-9 Spokesperson, Darmalyn Jumlail, said.

PDEA-9 added that drivers should not use long hours of driving as an excuse for using illegal drugs as this constitutes a violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) and Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586).

“Mahigpit na pinagbabawal ang paggamit ng iligal na droga lalo na pag ikaw ay nagda-drive. Hindi pwede nating gamiting excuse na pampahaba ng working hours,” Jumlail added.