Ban on bottled water, liquids still in effect at LRT1

Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1). (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The ban on bottled water and other liquids will remain in effect in all Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) stations.

LRT-1 Corporate Communications head Rochelle Gamboa issued this notice on Wednesday, pointing out they have yet to receive a formal announcement from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) lifting such ban.

“So far, no official word from DOTr regarding the lifting of the ban. Until then, we will prioritize passenger safety and the [Philippine National Police] ban on bottled drinks will be respected,” Gamboa said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

“We will continue to respect the PNP directive until we receive official advisory from DOTr,” she added.

According to Gamboa, LRT-1 would not risk the safety of its passengers and exert all efforts to avoid a repeat of the Rizal Day bombing 18 years ago.

At least 10 people were killed when a bomb exploded in the LRT Blumentritt station in Manila on December 30, 2000.

However, management of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) said it has already lifted its ban on bottled water and other liquids in all of its stations.

LRT-2, on the other hand, said it has temporarily lifted the ban on bottled water and other liquids even as it awaits the official report on the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the measure from the DOTr’s Office for Transportation Security.

READ: MRT-3, LRT-2 lift ban on liquids on stations and trains

The ban on bottled water and other liquids in all train systems in Metro Manila was imposed following bombing incidents in Mindanao last month.

READ: Bottled water banned at LRT, MRT stations for security

/kga