A TEAM composed of officials from various government agencies conducted an inspection and random drug testing among bus drivers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) a few days before the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and Undas break this year.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were at the PITX and conducted random drug testing among bus drivers and inspected the general situation in the country’s first integrated and multi-modal terminal.
The drug testing activity was intended to ensure the safety of commuters using public transportation going to their respective provinces in time for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
The MMDA also reported that no one among the public utility bus (PUB) drivers and conductors who participated in the random drug test were found positive for illegal drug use, according to MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes.
Authorities observed a high volume of passengers at the PITX as it registered a commuter volume of 143,000 yesterday, and officials are expecting this number to swell even further because of the aforementioned two important events.
“We want to ensure a safe, orderly, and convenient movement of commuters as well as motorists traveling during the long weekend,” said Artes, who was joined by MMDA Deputy Chairman Usec. Frisco San Juan Jr., Assistant General Manager for Operations David Angelo Vargas, and Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez.
As part of the activation of “Oplan Undas 2023,” Artes said traffic personnel were deployed at transport terminals, and coordinated traffic management responses have been put in place and are already in effect.
A total of 1,448 personnel were deployed on major thoroughfares, major transport hubs, and key areas in the metropolis, with at least 600 members of the Metro Parkways Clearing Group assigned to maintain the cleanliness around major cemeteries in Metro Manila.
Likewise, personnel from Road Emergency Group have also been prepositioned in major thoroughfares, ready to provide medical attention when needed.
NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Nartatez said they are in close coordination with concerned government agencies to ensure peaceful and orderly elections as well as commemoration of the Undas.
DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order Oscar Valenzuela said they are working with local government units (LGUs) and line agencies to carry out measures as people participate in the elections and flock to cemeteries, columbaria, and memorial parks to visit their departed loved ones.