KORONADAL CITY / GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A total of 200 public transportation personnel underwent drug testing during a joint government operation in Koronadal City and General Santos City on October 27, as authorities intensified efforts to prevent drug-impaired driving ahead of the Undas 2026 travel period.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 12 (PDEA-12), in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO-12), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-12), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government units of Koronadal and General Santos, conducted Oplan Harabas 2026 beginning at around 7 a.m.
The operation was part of the government’s efforts to enforce Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, alongside the Department of Transportation’s Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2026, which seeks to strengthen transportation safety and protect motorists and passengers during the expected increase in holiday travel.
Drug testing was conducted at three major transportation hubs: the Koronadal Integrated Transport Terminal Complex, the Yellow Bus Terminal in Koronadal City, and the General Santos City Public Terminal.
Of the 200 personnel screened, 62 were bus drivers, 64 were bus conductors, 66 were van drivers, one was a mini-bus driver, four were taxi drivers, and three were tricycle drivers.
Initial screening results showed that 199 personnel tested negative, while one bus driver yielded a positive result.
PDEA-12 said the individual was assisted by its Regional Anti-Drug Program Officer (RPADO) for referral to the appropriate Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) for intervention. The specimen collected from the driver will also undergo confirmatory testing to establish the final result.
The initial positive screening result should not be treated as a definitive confirmation of drug use, as the confirmatory examination remains necessary to determine the individual’s final status.
Apart from the drug testing, authorities also conducted K9 inspections as part of efforts to detect the possible presence of illegal drugs in the transportation facilities. No suspected illegal drugs were detected during the inspections.
The participation of PDEA-12, LTO-12, LTFRB-12, PNP personnel, and the local governments of Koronadal and General Santos underscored the inter-agency approach to transportation safety and drug prevention.
Through Oplan Harabas 2026, authorities aim to discourage driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, particularly among public transportation workers whose responsibilities directly affect the safety of commuters.
With increased passenger movement expected during Undas, the operation also serves as a preventive measure to reduce road safety risks and help ensure safer journeys for drivers, passengers, and other road users across the region.