DAVAO CITY (March 29) — Three of the 297 taxi drivers were found positive of using illegal drugs while on duty, this was revealed when the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and and Transportation Office conducted a surprise drug test yesterday.
Antonio Rivera, PDEA XI director said, the agency conducted the surprise test, dubbed as Oplan Harabas, was conducted among 297 taxi drivers queuing in International and Domestic area of Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Sasa, Davao City, at around 8:00 in the morning Friday, March 29.
Rivera said the cases involving taxi drivers will be referred to the LTFRB for said agency to call on the operators, but the PDEA, according to him will help should the user decide to undergo rehabilitation and treatment.
The activity, according to Rivera, will be a regular undertaking as his agency is seriously implementing the war against drugs.
Aside from the drug testing, the PDEA also handed information and education materials about the ails of illegal drugs use.
Officials who attended the activity include Atty. Cathaleya Acaylar of LTFRB , Benjamin Antonio of LTO XI, Police Colonel Aligre Martinez of PNP AVSEU, Engr. Rex Obcena of CAAP.-NewsLine.ph