MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday conducted mandatory drug testing for bus drivers and K9 sweeps at terminals ahead of the surge of passengers during All Saints’ Day.
The anti-drug agency conducted “Oplan Undaspot” in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The drug testing aims to ensure the safety of the passengers as some bus drivers may be using illegal drugs to counter fatigue during long trips, according to the PDEA.
Bus drivers underwent drug testing. Those who refused were endorsed to the LTO for proper action.
The K9 unit of the PDEA conducted sweeps at the bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the large number of people to transport illegal drugs.
Agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were placed on heightened alert for Undas.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said they are expecting a surge in arrivals and departures during the holiday break.
BI port operations division chief Grifton Medina ordered personnel manning immigration counters to be extra careful in screening arriving and departing passengers. – With Evelyn Macairan, Rudy Santos