The Mandaue City government is set to intensify its campaign against drunk driving with the expected donation of alcohol breath analyzers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), local traffic officials said.
Hyll Retuya, head of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM), said the LTO will donate at least two units of breath analyzers to the city.
He added that the Mandaue Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) also plans to procure an additional unit to further strengthen enforcement.
“Gamit man kaayo tinuod ni, especially karon nga daghan na kaayo og irresponsible nga drivers nga bisan nakainom or nahubog na, mu-drive gihapon,” Retuya said, noting that drunk driving remains a major cause of road accidents.
Retuya said authorities recently apprehended a driver in Barangay Basak who tested positive for alcohol using a breath analyzer during an operation.
As part of its intensified efforts, TEAM plans to deploy personnel near bars and other leisure establishments where alcohol consumption is expected to be high.
“Inig gawas ana, probable cause na na nga maghuna-huna ka nga nakainom na unya mag-drive pa. Nindot na atangan,” he said, adding that such operations will be prioritized once the devices are available.
Retuya emphasized the need for a proactive approach to enforcement.
“Nindot na siya nga i-test sa breath analyzer. Probable cause man na—niggawas ka dinha, most likely nag-inom ka gikan, unya wala na kay reason para mag-drive ka,” he added.
The initiative aligns with the implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.
During a meeting on March 19 with LTO officials and Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, Retuya personally tested a breath analyzer and said the equipment would be beneficial for local operations.
He also said TEAM plans to engage motorcycle groups to strengthen awareness and compliance with anti-drunk driving measures.
“Kung nakainom ka or kung hubog ka, ayaw na lang gyud og drive. That is the bottom line,” Retuya said. (VCL)
