MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday committed to beef up its presence at train stations after data showed that there were around 80 crimes recorded in Metro Manila trains between 2023 and 2024.

Of the 83 crimes that took place in the MRT, LRT1 and LRT2 since 2023, 44 are incidents of theft, 8 are sexually related, 6 are linked to fake bomb threats, while 7 involved the illegal carrying of firearms, data from the PNP showed.

“We immediately directed NCRPO to beef up police assistance desks in different stations,” said PBGen. Rogelio Ponce Peñones, deputy regional director for operations of the National Capital Regional Police Office.

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At least 18 marshals have been deployed, while police desks are also being mounted in the 45 train stations in Metro Manila, he said. 

Sen. Raffy Tulfo urged the PNP to deploy police personnel in pairs and instruct them to regularly board trains.

“Gusto ko sa bawat biyahe ng tren may sumasakay na marshalls kasi iba yung makita nung mga masasamang loob na may pulis… That should serve as a deterrent,” the senator said.

“Dapat may naka-uniform, may naka-civilian para ma-caught in the act,” he said.

“Yung mga naka-uniform, para kampante yung riding public, yung mga naka-civilian ang focus noon para manmanan at tingnan yung mga suspicious-looking character,” he explained.

The PNP used to deploy “rail police” before the COVID-19 pandemic, Transportation Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino said.

“Ang ginagawa noon, all stations may naka-deploy na police personnel at may naka-board sa train… However noong nagka-COVID, kinuha na sila pabalik,” she said.

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The PNP committed to implement Tulfo’s suggestions after the Senate hearing.

Meantime, operators of the capital region’s three railways were also asked to make their facilities more accessible for persons with disabilities and to senior citizens.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been installing wheelchair lifts in different stations, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said.

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