MANILA, Philippines – A man was arrested after he tried to carry a live hand grenade into one of the stations of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3).
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Sunday the grenade was wrapped in packaging tape and placed inside a cellphone box.
The suspect was identified as Christian Guzman, 29.
Initial investigation showed that on Saturday evening, Guzman was going through the inspection area of the MRT-3 Cubao station when guards found the explosive.
The DOTr said it was not taking the incident lightly.
“The DOTr MRT-3 would like to stress that this matter will be taken seriously. We ask the patience and cooperation of our passengers as we further tighten the security measures being implemented in our stations,” the agency said in a statement.
“Please understand that these measures are being done to protect the safety and security of our passengers,” it added.
The DOTr encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity inside the trains and stations.
Guzman is currently under the custody of Quezon City Police District Station 7 in Cubao.
He is also facing a charge for violating Republic Act 9516 or Illegal Possession of Ammunition and Explosives. /cbb