The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) is beefing up its security in all its stations in compliance with the Office for Transportation Security’s (OTS) directive to all transport operators all over the country following the bombing incidents in Mindanao.
The MRT-3 management tightened the checking and screening of prohibited equipment in passengers’ baggage including explosives and incendiary substances; flammable materials and poisonous gas and chemicals like pesticides, muriatic acid, and liquid hydrogen.
MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati asked for commuters’ patience and cooperation on the stricter measures, and urged them to report suspicious items or persons.
“Nire-reiterate lang namin na tayo ay nasa heightened alert. May konting inkumbinyente o delay kaya pagpasensyahan niyo na, kasi ito naman ay ginagawa natin para sa ikabubuti at ikaliligtas ng facility natin at lalong-lalo na ng ating mga pasahero,” Capati said.
“We do encourage them na sana sumunod sila sa patakaran natin, both safety and security and our health protocols,” Capati added.
The MRT-3 also sought assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard for the deployment of K-9 units in addition to its own K-9 units to roam in all MRT-3 stations.
The train official also warned commuters that marshals have a right to reject a passenger that will disobey security rules. – Report from Ryan Lesigues/ML-ag
