NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas
MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy 100 cops to ensure that guidelines will be strictly implemented once the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) resume operations after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, NCRPO chief, said the deployment of mobile force battalion personnel was approved in a meeting on Saturday to make sure that commuters will observe social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Sinas said PNP Desks will also be set up in bus and jeepney terminals to assist the commuters.
"A lot of things must be considered especially with the issue of community quarantine,” Sinas said in a statement on Saturday.
He said the NCRPO has been maximizing all its means to prepare for the possible lifting of the ECQ which will expire on May 15.
“With the full cooperation of the public, we are hoping that all the guidelines regarding community quarantine will be properly implemented," Sinas said.
Last Friday, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) released guidelines requiring passengers to wear face masks, undergo thermal screening and enforcement of physical distancing in all LRT-1 stations and trains.
The LRMC also encouraged passengers to use its “stored value cards” for contactless payment, use of footbaths or disinfecting mats in station entrances, and contactless enforcement of security through visual verification of passenger bags and the use of handheld metal detectors.
The measures comply with the safety guidelines released by the Department of Transportation for mass public transportation in areas under the less stringent general community quarantine.
The LRMC said alcohol dispensers would be available at ticket booths, liquid soap dispensers available in restrooms, and the disinfection of all LRT-1 trains at the end of both northbound and southbound trips. (PNA)
