Commuter bashes LRT-2 for man who rode train with 5-gallon water bottles

MANILA, Philippines – After the managements of the Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1), Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2) and the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) lines banned bottled water in their trains for security reasons, commuters could not help but vent their objections on social media.

Some commuters said the ban caused undue delays in their trips as security guards at the stations would order that either they dispose of the bottled water or consume them before boarding the trains.

So when a commuter was allowed to board an LRT-2 train carrying 5-gallon bottles of water, a fellow commuter could not resist but fume on social media.

“Bawal yung baon kong tubig sa LRT pero p*******a nakapasok to???!!!!” said the netizen, who declined to be identified in a Twitter post.

Reacting to the post, the LRT-2 management clarified on Tuesday that the person in the photo was a member of the line’s staff.

“The man carrying said gallons of water is a utility of LRT-2. This is for the consumption of security and operations personnel at the stations,” the LRT-2 management said.

“Furthermore, the supplier and the personnel are duly authorized by LRTA, and such gallons underwent pre-security screening before they were allowed to be brought inside the trains,” it added.

The LRT lines imposed the ban in line with a directive by the Philippine National Police following the twin bombings at the Jolo cathedral last January 27.

The LRT-2 management has asked the public’s understanding and cooperation amid the tightened security measures in its stations.

It also downplayed claims that the management was “overreacting” with its security measures.

“We cannot compromise the safety and security of the riding public so all necessary security measures are being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of all,” it said.

“We believe that there is no overacting when it involves the security of passengers especially if we can recall that LRTA has already been a victim of a bombing attack on December 30, 2000 (Rizal Day bombing). Thus, the broadmindedness, cooperation and vigilance of everyone will be highly appreciated,” the LRT-2 line management added.  /muf/ac