THE Philippine National Police (PNP) appealed to the public on Friday to bear with authorities implementing a policy which prohibits the carrying of liquid materials in train stations since it is for the safety of the general public.
Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said the ban on liquid materials in train stations is an “additional security measure” that was coordinated with them by the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 and 2 and Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 managements.
This, after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed it received a bomb threat sent through an electronic mail (email) on January 3, several weeks before the twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu, on January 27 which left 23 persons dead.
“Naniniwala tayo na lahat ng impormasyon na natatanggap patungkol sa mga threats sa establishments at mode of transport ay nakarating na sa pamunuan ng NCRPO [National Capital Region Police Office] at ito ay iniimbestigahan na,” Banac said.
The sender of the bomb threat is already being identified, according to Banac.
The PNP official also said banning liquid materials in train stations, airports and seaports is included in the international standards being observed in other countries.
“Ito po ay parte lang ng security measures natin kaya po ang panawagan natin sa ating mga kababayan ay konting pag-unawa at kooperasyon lamang para hindi kayo maabala. Huwag na kayong magdala ng liquids,” Banac said.
Earlier, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde revealed that the fragments and components of the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used in the Jolo bombing possibly contained ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) compound as primary explosive charge.
The MRT management, for its part, stressed that nitroglycerin, an explosive liquid, can be easily mixed to form a liquid bomb which is hard to be traced if concealed in ordinary bottle containers.
ALLOWED ITEMS
Meanwhile, the following liquids and items are allowed inside the train stations according to the MRT management: baby formula/ breast milk in bottles for passengers with a baby or small child; drinking water for baby or small child; prescription and over-the-counter medications; Liquids including water, juice or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with disabilities or life condition; life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products and transplant organs.
Also allowed are items used to augment the body and for medical and cosmetic reasons like mastectomy prodicts, prosthetic breast, bras or shells containing gels, saline solutions or other liquids; and gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medical-related items used by disabled passengers or those with medical conditions. (Martin A. Sadongdong)
