Woman may face charges for removing mask, face shield on MRT3

A rider on the MRT3 is facing possible charges for removing her mask and face shield to take a selfie.

In a cellphone video that has gone viral, Jonalyn Caadan can be heard asking the woman to put her mask and shield back on. “This is not the right time to take a picture,” Caadan says in the video, as seen on to Rida Reyes' report on 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday.

The woman, however, continued to fix her hair while looking at her phone and only did what she was told a few seconds after.

Bothered by the woman’s actions, Caadan said that what she was doing isn’t a joke.

“Ang epekto niyan kasi dahil hindi naka face mask, mamaya may dala pala ‘yang COVID, mahawa kayo, uuwi ka sa pamilya mo [The effect of her not wearing a face mask is possible contamination. If she has the virus, you might get it, then go home to your family],” she said in Sunday’s “24 Oras Weekend” with Rida Reyes.

According to Caadan, an MRT marshal was present during that time but was on the other side of the train.

As of writing, MRT officials are looking for the woman for further investigation, together with the marshal.

“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,” they said in a statement.

“An investigation is likewise being conducted to determine if there was any neglect on the part of the transport marshal on duty,” they added.

Marshals have the “authority to order commuters who will deliberately disregard health rules, to get off transport vehicles, stations and terminals.”

The legal team of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), meanwhile, is also looking into possible charges for the violator.

According to DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran, they will not take the situation “lightly” since it involves everyone’s health and safety, especially the other passengers.

Both the MRT and DOTr are calling the attention of the woman to come forward and explain her side. — Franchesca Viernes/BM, GMA News