National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director PMGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. leads the conduct of safety and security inspection in Metro Manila trains. (Photo Courtesy: NCRPO Regional Public Information Office)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – A comprehensive security inspection was conducted in Metro Manila railway stations on Wednesday, August 7, in an effort to reinforce the safety of commuters against transit crimes.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director PMGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. led the said inspection, covering Light Trail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) stations including Cubao, Recto, Carriedo, and Boni.
“Ensuring the safety of our commuters is our utmost priority. Our inspection is part of a broader strategy to enhance security measures, deploy more personnel, and implement technological advancements to prevent these crimes,” said Nartatez.
Aside from security protocols, the inspection of the NCRPO also sought to ensure that the surveillance systems in railway stations are well-functioning. In addition, Nartatez assessed the readiness of security personnel in responding to crimes and threats.
The major transit crimes include theft, fake bomb threats, as well as sexual harassment and violence. Data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that 85 of these crimes were recorded from January 2023 to July 2024.
Among these, theft was determined as the most prevalent crime with 46 reported incidents within the said period. The highest theft incidents were reported in MRT Cubao (13), MRT GMA Kamuning (8), and MRT Guadalupe (8).
It can be recalled that during the 11th Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas (KBP), Nartatez underscored the importance of being proactive in responding to threats against public safety.
“We have to be proactive with these situations,” said Nartatez, citing that at least 5 personnel are deployed in each of the 45 railway stations in Metro Manila to heighten security measures.
To date, a total of 827 police personnel are currently being deployed in LRT and MRT stations.
Nartatez meanwhile emphasized that the commuting public also has a vital role to play in securing a safe transit environment.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility. We urge commuters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately. Together, we can create a safer transit environment for everyone,” the police chief noted. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
