More cops deployed at train stations amid reported crimes

More police personnel were deployed at train stations following reported crimes in these areas, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

“We opted to deploy more policemen…Only two months ago, nagdagdag tayo ng 392 so aabot na yun ng 827 (we added 392 cops so they are now 827),” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters in an ambush interview.

“We’re quick enough to increase our deployment kasi nga naisip nga natin na kailangan talaga ito (we think it’s really needed). There are 45 stations at hindi lang yun about the occurrence of focus crimes, paano kung bombing incident (it is not only about focus crimes occurrence but also possible bombing incident),” he added.

The crimes reported in trains include theft, robbery, acts of lasciviousness, illegal gambling, illegal drugs, among others, according to Nartatez.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) acknowledged the concern and said that the following security measures will be implemented:

• Constant public addresses for passengers to take care of their personal belongings while on the station and platform area, as well as inside the trains
• Close coordination with Law Enforcement Agencies by apprehending the suspect, assisting complainant to the police station, and collection of rogue gallery of suspects
• Distribution of the rogue gallery across stations for familiarization by the security personnel and possible identification of suspects
• Posting of additional security signages regarding installed CCTV systems
• Deployment of additional security personnel during peak hours
• Deployment of K9 units as augmentation to prevent unauthorized access of IED and prohibited drugs
• Deployment of train marshalls

The DOTr Rail Sector said it has also requested assistance on deployment of police personnel in all rail lines.

“We understand the importance of public trust and confidence in our rail system. The Rail Sector is actively working with all the rail systems to prevent future incidents and ensure the well-being of our passengers,” the agency said.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and also ensure that their personal belongings are secure,” it added. –VAL, GMA Integrated News