Train barred from crossing Calamba, Laguna did not violate quarantine, says PNR

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) did not violate enhanced community quarantine when its trains went into operation on Monday, PNR Operations Manager Jo Geronimo said Tuesday. 

Geronimo, who also serves as PNR spokesperson, was referring to the incident wherein residents near the PNR rail tracks in Calamba, Laguna prevented a PNR train from passing due to supposed lack of travel permit amid a total lockdown in the province. 

“Nagulat na lang po kami na kami na pala ngayon ang makikiraan sa aming riles," she said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Geronimo said the PNR operated its trains on Monday as a measure to ensure its preparedness to provide support in transporting supplies and other essentials amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are just preparing, because PNR has been a reserved transport of the Armed Forces since the 1940s, and we want to stand ready in case the government needs our support, lalo ngayon na wala po tayong transport provider,” Geronimo said.

“Sabi po nila, for safety po [ang barikada], pero wala pong maraming sakay ang tren. Kami nga po ang nagtataka bakit ang daming tao sa riles. Sila po yata ang nakalimot sa social distancing,” Geronimo pointed out.

The incident happened amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon which banned mass transport and prohibited mass gatherings to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Work was stopped in many industries, affecting over three million workers.

Geronimo then said residents eventually allowed the PNR train to pass Calamba on Monday, but only after the company agreed to put back in place the barricade installed by the community. 

She then assured the public that PNR just wants to ensure the integrity of its trains as it should, especially amid a pandemic.

“Gusto lang po namin masiguro na makakapagbigay kami ng serbisyo kung kinakailangan, at willing po kami kung kakailanganin kami ng IATF,” Geronimo added. IATF is the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“Puwede po kami mag-provide ng transport for essentials, including health workers, kahit hanggang Bicol po,” Geronimo added.

The Philippines has recorded 4,932 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4 p.m. of April 13. Of this number, 315 have died while 242 others recovered. —Llanesca T. Panti/KG, GMA News