LTO, PDEA, with PNP and HPG Conduct Surprise Drug Test on Calamba City Drivers, Two Test Positive

by: Edjun Mariposque

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October 31, 2024

4–5 minutes

To ensure passenger safety and maintain order in public transportation, a surprise drug testing operation was conducted this morning at 6 AM for bus, jeepney, and tricycle drivers at terminals in Barangay Turbina, Calamba City, Laguna. The initiative, spearheaded by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), was carried out with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) handling the drug tests. Officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 4A and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Region 4A also provided assistance.

L-R: LTO Senior TRO Alvin Domingo, Chief Hengie Nepomuceno – LTO Calamba, Maricris Villegas – LTO Chief of Regional Law Enforcement Team, PLTCL Titoy Jay Cuden – Calamba COP, PDEA IA III Juanco L Esteban – Provincial Officer PDEA Laguna, Laguna PD PCol. Gauvin Mel Unos, CALABARZON RD PBGen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, PDEA RD Dir III Byran B. Babang, HPG PMaj. Dante R. Aquino

PNP 4A Regional Director PBGen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas emphasized the importance of this operation, highlighting the risks posed by drivers under the influence of illegal substances. “Just imagine if a bus driver is actually an addict. What would happen to the bus, its passengers, and others on the road in case of an accident?” Lucas said, stressing that public safety is at stake.

The operation saw a diverse group of drivers – from buses, jeepneys, vans, and tricycles – undergoing tests to ensure they are fit to operate public transportation. Each driver submitted a sample, which was then processed by PDEA personnel on-site.

According to LTO Regional Law Enforcement Section – Chief Maricris Vellegas, any driver testing positive in the initial screening will have their license held until a confirmatory test is completed. “The driver’s license will be on hold while we wait for PDEA’s confirmatory results. If it confirms the use of illegal substances, the driver will be required to undergo rehabilitation,” Vellegas stated.

Confirmed by PDEA RPIO Mary Ann Lorenzo and LTO Central STRO Alvin T. Dominic, out of the 100 drivers tested, two individuals received initial positive results. The licenses both jeepney drivers were immediately confiscated, and they are currently unable to resume their duties while awaiting further confirmatory testing.

This measure ensures that all drivers operating public vehicles in Calamba City are held to strict standards of conduct. The PDEA and LTO reiterated their commitment to maintaining road safety and ensuring that public drivers remain drug-free.

The LTO, PDEA, PNP, and HPG with the assistance of Calamba POSO are united in their stand for safer roads and public transport, prioritizing passenger well-being as they continue to promote programs for driver health and safety. This joint operation underscores the government’s commitment to a drug-free and safe transportation system for every commuter to-and-from Calamba City.

#EdjunMariposque

#CalambaCityUpdates

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