227 drivers linked to drug use
BAGUIO City Mayor Mauricio Domogan is alarmed over reports proving drivers of public transport are into illegal drugs.
Domogan said police reports showed there are 227 drivers of taxi, jeepney and bus, under the profile of the Baguio City Police Office as drug surenderrers.
“You should police your own ranks and get drug tests rather than have all of you [the entire sector] become suspect to drug use,” said Domogan.
Baguio City Police Office city director Senior Superintendent Ramil Saculles confirmed the findings and concurred mandatory drug tests would best be required for drivers
before operators accept them for work.
Saculles said the drug test required before getting and renewing a license is now not enough as it will only be required after five years.
Transport leader Rey Bacoco met with by BCPO traffic head, Chief Inspector Oliver Panabang, Domogan and Saculles over issues in traffic, public safety and security and peace and order.
Bacoco said Domogan requested the transport group to have all drivers undergo drug tests in name of public safety.
The transport leader admitted the problem but cited lack of funds as it will become an added burden to operators.
Last year, over 2,000 suspected drug users in Baguio City have turned themselves into authorities during the height of the government’s Oplan Tokhang.
From these records, the police profiled the drivers and presented the data to the meeting, which merited the request for drug testing for drivers.