DAVAO CITY — Two public utility vehicle drivers tested positive for illegal drugs following a surprise drug testing operation conducted on Wednesday, December 18, as part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: PASKO 2025 and Oplan Harabas in the city.
The results were confirmed by Yuri Lim, head of the Law Enforcement Division of the Land Transportation Office Region XI (LTO XI), who said the operation forms part of intensified road safety measures ahead of the Christmas travel rush.
The surprise drug tests were jointly carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region XI (PDEA XI) and LTO XI, targeting van drivers at a van terminal, as well as bus drivers and conductors at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal.
Authorities said the operation aims to ensure the safety of commuters traveling to different provinces during the peak holiday season, particularly by preventing drivers under the influence of illegal drugs from operating public transport vehicles.
“This is a preventive measure to protect passengers and reduce the risk of road accidents, especially during the Christmas season when travel volume significantly increases,” Lim said.
The drivers who tested positive will face appropriate administrative and legal actions in accordance with existing laws and regulations, while confirmatory testing and further investigation are underway.
Transport and law enforcement agencies reiterated their warning to public utility drivers to strictly comply with safety standards, stressing that random drug testing operations will continue throughout the holiday period to safeguard public welfare and maintain orderly and secure travel.