UNANNOUNCED. Specimens were collected from drivers and conductors during Friday's (April 8, 2022) surprise drug test at the transport terminal in Tagbak, Jaro. All 152 drivers and conductors from Iloilo City and Bacolod City were negative for illegal drugs.(Photo courtesy of PDEA Regional Office VI) ILOILO CITY - All 152 drivers and conductors of buses and jeepneys who were subjected to surprise mandatory drug tests by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) under the "Oplan Harabas" in preparation for the Holy Week on Friday were negative for illegal drugs. PDEA information officer Shey Tanaleon, in an interview, said the drivers and conductors of public transportation services were from Ceres Liner Vallacar Transit and utility vehicle express terminal in Tagbak, Jaro in Iloilo City, and Bacolod North Bus Terminal in Barangay Bata, and Bacolod South Bus Terminal in Lopez Jaena St, all in Bacolod City. "This goes to show that we have a big success in our anti-drug campaign in Western Visayas. All drivers and conductors did not refuse and willingly underwent the drug testing," she said. Along with the drug tests, the PDEA K-9 unit and narcotic detection dogs also conducted a panel inspection of baggage and cargoes utility vehicles and detected no drugs. "We will intensify that next week during the actual celebration of the Holy Week especially in terminals to ensure that there are no illegal drugs that will be shipped using our bus terminals," Tanaleon added. She also hoped that it will continue not just during the Holy Week but also during other holidays when there is an influx of passengers in bus terminals, seaports, and airports in Western Visayas. The spokesperson said the drug test was the first to be conducted in a public area this year. (PNA) }