Our attention was called regarding a video that was uploaded on Facebook showing a female MRT-3 passenger taking a selfie without a face mask and face shield.
The health and safety protocols, which include the wearing of masks, face shields, and following the appropriate physical distancing measure, have been mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) as the minimum health measures while aboard public transport vehicles to abate the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Thus, we deem the passenger’s action not only reckless and insensitive, but also posed a possible threat to the health of her fellow passengers.
We condemn such wanton disregard on these health and safety measures.
Hence, we now ask the public’s assistance for information to identify the woman on the video, for investigation and filing of appropriate charges due to violations of the public health and safety protocols.
An investigation is likewise being conducted to determine if there was any neglect on the part of the transport marshal on duty.
Transport marshals have the authority to order commuters who will deliberately disregard health rules, to get off transport vehicles, stations, and terminals.
Meanwhile, we also urge our passengers to religiously observe health protocols inside the trains, and to be patient and obedient when transport marshals remind or warn them not to breach the same.
Echoing the words of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, it is the responsibility of everyone to make sure that our transportation systems are kept safe and healthy amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
We call on the riding public to pitch in and help us enforce and maintain health measures against COVID-19 inside public transport vehicles, stations, and terminals. Help us by documenting violations committed by fellow commuters and reporting these to the transport marshals on duty.
Together, let us prevent further disease transmission. Let us beat COVID-19. (PR)