179 CSBT drivers, conductors drug-free

Drivers and conductors of the Cebu South Bus Terminal were called to the terminal’s conference room early on Monday morning for a surprise drug test./Contributed Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines –No one from among the 179 bus drivers and conductors at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) tested positive for illegal drugs use.

This was the outcome of the surprise drug testing organized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) and the Cebu Provincial Government early on Monday morning.

Jonathan Tumulak, CSBT manager said, said the drug testing was called to especially make sure that countryside travels will remain safe during the Holy Week celebration.

“Mangayo lang gyud mi ug pasaylo og pasensya sa katong mga nalate kay wala man tay laing panahon nga makalitan nato sila (We seek forgiveness and ask for apology from those who were late for their travels because this was the only time we have (to subject drivers and conductors to drug testing) ,” he said.

PDEA-7 Chief Wardley Getalla said they coordinated with other government agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Health (DOH), Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO) and the provincial governments of Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental to make sure that they have more than enough drug kits for their random drug testing.

Tumulak assured that their effort to ensure safe Holy Week travel will not end with Monday’s drug testing.

LTO personnel will also be conducting random checks of buses before these will be allowed to leave the terminal premise.

Bus drivers, he said, are also encouraged to constantly check their units.

“Tanawa daan ang mga ligid, mga signal lights, and susihon daan ang kondisyon sa mga drivers,” (They have to check on the wheels and the signal lights and the condition of the drivers),”  said Tumulak. /dcb