Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. on May 8, 2024 led the surprise drug testing administered on 199 drivers of Marisol-Pampang JODA, five drivers of Pampang-Holy JODA, and 142 drivers of Sapangbato JODA.
Mayor Lazatin supervised the surprise drug testing with personnel from the Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council headed by Ricky Saul. The initiative is coordinated with the Land Transportation Office.

“Ang ginagawa nating ito ay bahagi po ng ating programa kontra droga upang masiguro na walang droga sa hanay ng mga drivers dito sa Angeles,” Lazatin said.

Leading the drug testing program on the members of the transport group is Chief Adviser IC Calaguas. Other city officials involved in the program are Councilor Atty. Arvin Suller, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council Head Ricky Saul, Angeles City Traffic Development Officer Francis Pangilinan, Public Transportation and Regulatory Officer Ferdinand Calma, City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra, CHO Assistant Officer Dr. Cristine Joy Patio, Gender and Development Officer Mina Cabiles, Information and Communication Technology Division Chief Michael Lising, Association of Barangay Captains – Angeles City President Danilo Nacu, Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer Irish Bonus-Llego, and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Edna Duaso.

The drug testing on members of the transport group is anchored on Republic Act 10586 or the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.”

Mayor Lazatin has committed to preserve public safety by preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs within the transportation sector.

He urged the full cooperation of public transportation operators and drivers to ensure the success of the initiative.

The program is patterned on Oplan:Harabas Drug Test Muna Bago pasada introduced by then Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Aaron Aquino.

There are 1,500 jeepney drivers and some 12,000 tricycle drivers in the city.