The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted random drug testing among bus drivers as they inspected the situation at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections and Undas break.
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said the drug test was intended to ensure the safety of commuters using public transportation going to their respective provinces for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
No one among the public utility bus (PUB) drivers and conductors who participated in the random drug test was found positive for illegal drug use.
No one among the public utility bus (PUB) drivers and conductors who participated in the random drug test was found positive for illegal drug use.
During the inspection, authorities observed a high volume of passengers at the PITX.
Commuter volume at PITX was 143,000, and officials are expecting the number of passengers to increase for two important events: the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and the commemoration of the Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day).
“We want to ensure a safe, orderly, and convenient movement of commuters as well as motorists traveling during the long weekend.”
“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 Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. AGM for Operations David Angelo Vargas, and TDO director for enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez.
As part of the activation of ‘Oplan Undas 2023″, he said traffic personnel were deployed at transport terminals, and coordinated traffic management responses have been in effect.
1,448 personnel were deployed on major thoroughfares, major transport hubs, and key areas in the metropolis.
At least 600 members of the Metro Parkways Clearing Group were assigned to maintain the cleanliness around major cemeteries in Metro Manila. Personnel from Road Emergency Group have also been prepositioned in major thoroughfares, ready to provide medical attention when needed.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Brig. Gen. Jose Nartatez said they were 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 worked 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.
