At least nine tour guides, operators and habal-habal drivers in the southern town of Badian have tested positive for illegal drugs use according to the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO).
Carmen Remedios Durano-Meca, CPADAO head, said the drug test was conducted on Monday at the town after it was requested by Badian Mayor Carmencita Lumain.
A total of 205 samples were taken although only 160 have been screened so far which means the number of positive cases may still increase.
Meca said the remaining 45 samples will be screened today.
“They were gathered in the Training Hall in Badian were they were told that only those who will test negative will be allowed to participate in the training for canyoneering,” Meca said.
Canyoneering activities in Badian and Alegria towns have been suspended for two months starting June 1 due to safety concerns.
Tour guides and operators will also be trained by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) as part of its measured to improve the activities within the suspension period.