CSBT drivers undergo drug test
In line with the preparations for Undas 2018, conductors and drivers of buses in the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) were subjected to a surprise drug test yesterday.
CSBT Manager Jonathan Tumulak said that negative test results will ensure that those who bring the passengers to their destinations are reliable and drug-free workers.
“Unsaon man nato pagkuha sa pagsalig sa mga pasahero kung pananglitan nikuha silag positive (nga driver),” he said.
Those who will get positive drug test results will be temporarily suspended until the confirmatory results are out.
Tumulak said that in 2016, driver’s license of those who tested positive of drug use in the confirmatory test were suspended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Around 30 individuals underwent the test administered by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-7) in partnership with the terminal management.
Tumulak said that all the members of the civil security unit and blue guards were called to order and got their phones confiscated prior to the drug testing so no one can give a tip to the subjects.
“So far, wala may nareport nga nisulay pagikyas para dili makaapil sa drug test,” he continued.
After the drivers, Tumulak said that there may be another surprise drug test for the CSBT employees.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7, in coordination with various stakeholders, launched yesterday the OPLAN UNDAS 2018.
LTO-7 Director Victor Caindec said the LTO-Oplan Undas 2018 promotes road safety, assists on traffic management and provides efficient emergency response through the coordination of various stakeholders.
In Cebu City, over 200 emergency responders of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) are deployed to all cemeteries in the city in time for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
CCDRRMO operation’s head Harold Alcontin told reporters that these responders will monitor the situation in every cemetery starting yesterday until November 3.
CCDRRMO head Nagiel Bañacia said there are responders assigned in the mountain barangays.
CCDRRMO also instructed the vendors not to occupy the pathways so that emergency responders will have easy access if disaster occurs.
Alcontin advised the public to follow the policy being enforced in the cemetery. Bringing of bladed weapons and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.
In a separate interview, Department of Public Services Assistant head John Paul Gelasque said there are two to three street cleaners assigned in various cemeteries to maintain its cleanliness.
Starting tomorrow, there will be 24 hours collection of trash just to make sure that there will be no tons of trash left in the cemeteries.
Cebu City Transportation Office operation’s chief Francisco Ouano said 318 traffic enforcers will be deployed to man the traffic on the streets.
The cities of LapuLapu and Mandaue are also beefing up their security for the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2.
Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna urged the public, especially those going out of town, to secure and lock their houses.
There will be a skeletal force from the city government that will ensure the safety and welfare of the public such as the city’s emergency responders and personnel from the City Disaster Risk-Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).
Glenn Antigua, chief of operations of the Traffic Enforcement Agency in Mandaue (TEAM) said that traffic will be rerouted and vehicles are not allowed to pass near the eight cemeteries of the city to give way to the walking public.
Those who are accompanying senior citizens and disabled persons are advised to drop them off near the cemetery and the vehicle they are using should be parked in designated parking lots.
Senior Superintendent Julian Entoma, director of Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) said they have skeletal force starting today and will use force multipliers in securing the cemeteries.
Meanwhile, LapuLapu City Police Office (LCPO) Director Limuel Obon said they have deployed personnel in the cemeteries in the city including Olango Island.
Mayor Paz Radaza, on the other hand, said police are now stationed in their area of responsibility.
She added there will be no vendors beside the road to avoid congestion.
The personnel from Clean and Green Office are doing clean-ups in the cemeteries before November 1 and 2, Radaza said. The Freeman Foundation is now accepting cash donations for its annual “Christmas with Angels” project on December 9, 2018. 100 indigent children from the mountain barangays in Cebu will benefit this event which aims to bring joy by giving them a Christmas Kiddie Party. Part of the gifts we will be giving them are toys, goodies and groceries that they can bring home and share with their families. Be a blessing to one of these kids, be part of this momentous event. Donate now.