Authorities of the Metro Rail Transit and the Light Rail Transit announced that bottled drinks and other liquid materials are banned as part of heightened security measures following the bombing incident in Jolo, Sulu.
According to the Department of Transportation, they have decided to ban drinks and liquid materials for the meantime as a precautionary action due to a directive from the Philippine National Police.
LRT-1 and LRT-2 also released their own advisories on Twitter.
ICYMI: Ang LRT-1 po ay nakikikiisa sa pagbabawal ng bottled water o anumang likido sa stations lalong lalo na sa loob ng mga tren. Maaring inumin po ang tubig bago pumasok sa stations.
— LRT1 (@officialLRT1) January 31, 2019
Inaabisuhan din po ang lahat ng mga pasaherong may dalang ‘tumblers’ na itapon ang anumang laman nitong likido bago pumasok sa loob ng tren.Thank you for your cooperation. Ingat po sa biyahe!
— LRT1 (@officialLRT1) January 31, 2019
FYI: Ipinagbabawal ang mga liquid items kabilang ang bottled waters/drinks sa loob ng LRT tungo sa layuning pangkaligtasan. Humihingi po kami ng kooperasyon. Manatili na pong hydrated bago pa man pumasok sa mga istasyon ng LRT-2. Salamat po. Have a safe trip!
— LRT2 (@OfficialLRTA) January 31, 2019
The inspection of passengers’ bags and x-ray procedures were also tightened as part of the security measures.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar explained, “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 iba.”
Passengers are also advised to empty their tumblers upon entrance to the stations.
In addition, items such as “mini alcohol, sanitizers and solutions to contact lenses” are also prohibited, based on LRT’s tweet to an inquiry concerning the matter.
Authorities started to impose stricter security measures after the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu was bombed during mass on January 27, Sunday.
North Cotabato also saw a roadside bomb explosion on January 28, Monday while a mosque was attacked with a grenade on January 29, Tuesday.
