In this file photo taken in 2017, commuters jostle each other on a long queue at the MRT North EDSA in Quezon City. EDWIN BACASMAS / INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Train managements have started to implement a ban on bottled water and other liquid materials as a security measure following the recent bombing incidents in Mindanao.
The management of Light Rail Transit line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) told INQUIRER.net on Thursday that they started to implement the said ban following the directive of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)
“Banned na po ang mga ito starting today. This is in cooperation to the directive of the PNP and NCRPO amid their heightened alert,” LRT-2 management said in an email.
As for the MRT-3’s security unit, it has also started to apply stricter security measure in its train line.
The MRT-3 urged the public to remain vigilant in their surroundings following the bombing incidents.
“We encourage our passengers before entering MRT-3 stations to consume their bottled drinks, otherwise they will not be allowed to set foot in,” the management said in a statement.
“MRT-3 is requesting our commuters to cooperate with us and remain vigilant at all times. Rest assured that we are doing our best to ensure safety and security of our passengers, as these two are our topmost priorities,” it added.
Meanwhile, the LRT-1 management also confirmed that it has started to implement the directive regarding the security measures of authorities.
LRT-1 Corporate Communications head Rochelle Gamboa told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview that bottled drinks should be consumed before entering its stations.
“We advise the public na better to take the liquids bago pumasok kasi papainumin rin naman yun ng mga guards sa kanila,” Gamboa said.
“Those placed inside tumblers, kailangan ubusin na rin since kasama siya sa iche-check ng guards,” she added.
Gamboa earlier said that the LRT-1 already tightened its security in all of its 20 stations due to the bombing incidents reported in Mindanao.
READ: LRT1 enforces stricter security measures following Mindanao blasts
The ban on bottled water and other liquid stemmed on the directive of the NCRPO chief Director Guillermo Eleazar.
Eleazar said that these liquid items could be harmful chemicals that may endanger the lives of train passengers. /jpv