ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — Twenty-seven (27) public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers across the Zamboanga Peninsula tested positive for illegal drug use during a region-wide Oplan Harabas operation spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 (PDEA RO9) on October 30, 2025.
The operation, conducted in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police (PNP), Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils, aimed to ensure the safety of commuters during the Undas season by maintaining a drug-free public transport system.
Simultaneous random drug testing was carried out in major transport terminals in Zamboanga City, Dipolog City, Pagadian City, and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, involving a total of 1,259 PUV drivers and workers.
Out of those tested, 27 individuals yielded positive results and were immediately referred to the LTO for temporary confiscation of their driver’s licenses. Confirmatory testing and further investigations are now underway. The identified drivers will also be endorsed to their respective City or Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Councils for assessment and appropriate intervention.
According to PDEA, the breakdown of those who tested positive is as follows:
- Zamboanga del Sur: 1 van driver and 6 tricycle drivers
- Zamboanga del Norte: 1 tricycle driver
- Zamboanga Sibugay: 6 tricycle drivers
- Zamboanga City: 12 tricycle drivers and 1 porter
PDEA Regional Director Bryan B. Babang expressed gratitude to all participating agencies and partners for their “unwavering contribution and commitment” to the success of the operation.
“Oplan Harabas” is part of PDEA’s intensified campaign to safeguard the riding public by ensuring that PUV operators remain free from illegal drugs. The initiative also underscores the agency’s continuing collaboration with transport regulators and law enforcement units in upholding a safe, responsible, and drug-free transportation system across the region.
As thousands of commuters travel for Undas, the results of Oplan Harabas serve as a stark reminder of the critical role of driver sobriety in protecting lives on the road — and the government’s firm stance against drug use in the transport sector.