• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Land Transportation Office – Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) has endorsed the permanent revocation of driver’s licenses for four public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who tested positive for illegal drugs.
This move follows a surprise anti-drug operation, dubbed ‘Oplan Harabas,’ conducted at the Talisay-Bacolod Transport Terminal in Barangay Banago and the Bacolod North Jeep Terminal on April 1.
The operation, which took place during the Holy Week travel surge, screened approximately 200 drivers of modernized and traditional jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, and Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) units.
Of those tested, four drivers yielded positive results for illegal drug use.
The LTO-NIR stated that the penalties are in accordance with Republic Act No. 10586, Republic Act No. 9165, and LTO Memorandum Circular No. 2017-2008.
The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against driving under the influence of narcotics, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring road safety for the riding public.
The enforcement was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and Bacolod Police Station 3.*
