TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities flagged two drivers after they yielded positive results in a surprise drug screening conducted at the Abucay Bus Terminal, as part of intensified safety measures ahead of the Holy Week travel rush.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Eastern Visayas confirmed that one of the drivers operates a bus, while the other is a motorcycle-for-hire (MCH) driver.
LTO-8 Regional Director Ledwino Macariola said the random drug testing was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to help ensure the safety of passengers during the peak travel season.
Macariola clarified that the two drivers will still undergo confirmatory testing to validate the initial screening results and determine possible drug use.
The LTO said monitoring and enforcement efforts in transport terminals will continue to be strengthened to prevent drug-related incidents and uphold road safety, especially during periods of increased passenger traffic.
(KEIZHA KRYSTEIL BAYOT, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
