World · Philippines Bureau
Drug screening at transport hubs finds one positive case ahead of Undas
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 12 has identified a bus driver testing positive for drugs during routine screening of transport workers in South Cotabato. The operation, conducted ahead of the Undas holiday period, aims to ensure road safety across major terminals.
LSN Philippines ·
KORONADAL CITY — A bus driver has tested positive in an initial drug screening conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 12 (PDEA-12) among 200 transport workers at three terminals in Koronadal City and General Santos City.
The screening was carried out as part of the annual Oplan Harabas initiative ahead of Undas, according to Asnawi Salik, PDEA-12 Assistant Regional Director. The operation targets public transport facilities during the peak travel season when millions of Filipinos journey to provincial cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones.
The program focuses on ensuring the safety and sobriety of drivers operating public transportation routes during the holiday rush. Officials said the operation will continue across additional terminals and checkpoints throughout the region to maintain road safety standards.
Transport workers found to be using illegal drugs face legal consequences under Philippine drug laws. The PDEA-12 has emphasized that the initiative complements broader efforts by law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety during major holiday periods.