DOTr tightens security at train stations

LRT Line 2 INQUIRER PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has tightened security at the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT) following reported crimes in train stations.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DOTr Rail Sector assured commuters that it has implemented the following strategic initiatives at all stations of the MRT and LRT Lines 1 and 2:

• Constant public addresses for passengers to take care of their personal belongings
• Close coordination with Law Enforcement Agencies by apprehending suspects and assisting complainants to the police station
• Distribution of the rogue gallery across stations for familiarization by the security personnel and possible identification of suspects
• Posting of additional security signages regarding installed CCTV systems
• Deployment of additional security personnel during peak hours
• Deployment of K9 units
• Deployment of train marshalls

READ: MRT pickpocketing, sexual harassment rampant – Tulfo

“In fact, we have requested assistance on the deployment of police personnel in all rail lines to complement our security system — to increase visibility, and also the provision for rail police, to bolster our existing security within our system,” the DOTr Rail Sector’ statement read.

According to DOTr’s latest data, there were 67 reported pickpocketing incidents out of 44 million passengers at LRT-1 from January to July 2024.

In the same period, LRT-2 reported 35 pickpocketing incidents out of 30 million passengers, while MRT-3 had 250 incidents out of 78.2 million passengers.

The DOTr also noted that the average pickpocketing incidents per day at LRT Lines 1 and 2, and MRT 3 were as follows:

• LRT-1: 0.0001523 percent
• LRT-2: 0.0001167 percent
• MRT-3: 0.0003197 percent