Cotabato City — In a unified push for safer and drug-free public transportation this Holy Week, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) spearheaded the “Oplan Harabas: Holy Week” operation on April 15, 2025.
The joint operation, led by PDEA-BARMM Director Gil Cesario P. Castro, was carried out in partnership with the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office (BLTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Cotabato City Police Office, Philippine Marines, Regional Highway Patrol Unit-BARMM, City Public Order and Safety Office (CPOSO), Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), and the Cotabato City Government.
The coordinated effort focused on land transport terminals across Cotabato City, aiming to safeguard passengers during the peak Lenten travel season by ensuring drivers and conductors were fit and drug-free. A total of 75 drivers and conductors from various transport groups — including Mindanao Star, Husky, Kutoco, A to Z, and Bangsamoro Van — underwent drug testing, with all participants yielding negative results.
As part of the operation, Narcotic Detection Dogs (NDDs) from PDEA BARMM’s K9 Unit inspected public utility vehicles and cargoes to further secure the terminals against the possible transport of illegal substances.
Beyond enforcement, the campaign also emphasized preventive education. Advocacy materials on the dangers of drug abuse were distributed to transport workers and passengers, reinforcing the agencies’ commitment to a safe and healthy community.
Oplan Harabas is anchored on Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), RA 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013), and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 2, Series of 2004 — underlining the collective responsibility of government agencies in combating drug use in public spaces.