MRT-3 personnel ‘hastily disinfecting’ trains now facing disciplinary actions

MANILA, Philippines — The cleaning personnel who were caught on video “hastily disinfecting” MRT-3 trains are now facing disciplinary actions, the train line’s management announced Sunday.

The MRT-3 management issued the statement after a video went viral on social media showing its cleaning staff hastily spraying and briefly wiping the grab handles in one of its trains.

Following the spread of the video, netizens raised concerns over the safety of riding the trains especially if they were not properly disinfected as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are assuring the riding public that matters have been taken to prevent a repeat of that unfortunate incident and that the personnel involved are now facing disciplinary action,” the MRT-3 management said in a statement.

The management said it will not tolerate any breach of health protocols “as we stem the spread of COVID-19 while serving the daily transportation needs of commuters.”

“We have sternly reminded members of our cleaning and disinfection staff that while there is a need to disinfect all train coaches at speed, the process of disinfection must be focused and done with care,” the management said.

“The safety and health of MRT-3 passengers will always be our top concerns as we all adjust to meet the requirements of the new normal,” it added.

Train disinfection has been one of the measures implemented by the MRT-3 management to ensure the safety of its passengers amid the pandemic.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has reached 616,611 as 5,000 new infections were recorded on Saturday.

This was the highest number of new COVID-19 cases recorded in a single day so far this year.

JE