MRT-3 bans colognes, other liquids as part of security measures

Passengers are no longer allowed to bring cologne, perfume, mouthwash, lotion or any form of liquid in the MRT-3 stations.

According to Ivan Mayrina's report on "24 Oras", the security measure was put in place after the explosions that occured in Mindanao over the past couple of weeks.

Bottled water was initially banned from the LRT and MRT lines. Now, more liquids brought in by passengers would have to be turned over to the authorities.

This has resulted in numerous complaints from citizens all over social media.

Aside from the inconvenience caused by leaving personal items, lines have become longer because of the confiscation.

Rail system management said it was only following the guidance of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"The Department of Transportation (DOTr) MRT-3 adheres to the directive of the Philippine National Police to ban bottled drinks in our train stations... We advise our commuters not to bring bottled drinks and liquids inside MRT-3 stations as these can be used as 'liquid bombs'," the MRT-3 advisory read.

The PNP has said that certain explosives could come in liquid form.

It, however, denied giving guidance for the prohibition.

"Wala pa talagang, walang official na guidelines or masasabing directives. Wala kaming binibigay na directives. These are just recommendations," National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said.

The PNP said MRT-3 should release clear guidelines regarding this prohibition.

"Dapat may common sense naman, yung mga sound judgment na, for example, kung sinasabi nga kung ito ay gamot or pangangailangan, dapat naman siguro may konting kaluwagan diyan," Eleazar said.

MRT-3 Director for Operations, Michael Capati said in a text message that it would soon issue a statement on the matter.

The PNP's alert status in Metro Manila had been lowered to heightened alert from full alert status after the arrest of suspects in Jolo cathedral bombing.

There has also been no verified and credible threat to Metro Manila.

"Based on our threat assessment, nandoon na tayo sa moderate out of the four-level threat assessment natin. Kung tutuusin mo na para siya sa normal alert," Eleazar said. —Kaela Malig/NB, GMA News