DOTr seeks understanding on ban on bottled water, other liquids on trains

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday asked for understanding from passengers of MRT and LRT regarding the prohibition of bottled water and other liquids on trains.

"Ang sinasabi nga po namin sa aming mga mananakay kapag kami ay humihingi ng kanilang understanding is ito pong paghihigpit na ito ay hindi naman po para sa amin, para po ito sa lahat ng pasahero," Goddess Hope Libiran, DOTR Assistant Secretary for Communications, told Unang Balita.

"Kasi nga di bale ng maging mahigpit kami sa marami kaysa naman maging lax kami at malusutan kami ng isang terorista na kayang pumatay ng libu-libong tao," Libiran added.

Libiran clarified that the directive came from the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the January 27 twin blasts in a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, as well as the grenade attack in a mosque in Zamboanga City.

Libiran said the police would come up with implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for this order, adding that the PNP will also decide if the directive will be permanent.

"Actually depende po ito sa magiging kautusan po ng Philippine National Police dahil sila po 'yung nagbigay ng guidance sa aming mga railway lines na ipagbawal muna 'yung mga bottled waters o any form of liquid na makapasok doon sa train stations," she said.

"Sila daw ay maglalabas ng IRR ukol dito dahil po naniniwala kami na mayroon din pong mga cases na kailangan din pong i-consider," Libiran added.

Aside from the ban on liquids, authorities also tightened up bag-checking and x-ray procedures on trains due to the recent attacks.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar earlier said harmful chemicals carried onto the train may endanger the lives of all its passengers.

"Meron kasing ibang mga liquid items na  puwede itong mga chemicals na maaaring harmful sa ibang mga kasamahan natin para mag-cause ng harm sa sa iba," Eleazar said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News