MRT pickpocketing, sexual harassment rampant – Tulfo

Commuters jostle to board the few operating trains during rush hour at the MRT North EDSA station in Quezon City. (File photo from EDWIN BACASMAS)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Raffy Tulfo has urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to deploy personnel at all Metro Rail Transit 2 (MRT) stations.

In a press release on Tuesday, Tulfo said he wrote to the National Capital Region Police Office on July 1 about reports of widespread pickpocketing, sexual harassment, and other crimes plaguing the train stops.

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In the letter, Tulfo mentioned that one of the police’s main responsibilities should be to board the trains and respond more effectively to crimes and emergencies.

The senator chairs the Senate committee on public services.

He added that police officers must be “well-trained in spotting and dealing with pickpockets and all forms of petty crimes to ensure [the] protection of [the] public.”

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For special training, Tulfo suggested that the PNP utilize the knowledge of former criminals arrested to determine how they act before, during, and after they commit a crime.

The senator further recommended publicizing the photos of suspects for transparency.

Tulfo said he will seek a hearing on the matter after the Senate recess in July.

In a Viber message, Transportation Assistant Secretary Jette Aquino said the management of MRT3 welcomes Tulfo’s initiative.

“The MRT 3 management welcomes the offer of Sen. Tulfo for the PNP to assist in curbing repeated incidents of snatching and sexual harassment at the stations and trains of MRT 3,” she said.