Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has directed the maintenance provider of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to enhance its sanitation and pest control measures. This directive follows the circulation of a social media post that showed pest-infested handrails inside an MRT-3 train.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has instructed MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati to promptly address the issue. Lopez stated that the train set in question was subjected to immediate inspection and disinfection by the maintenance team.
Regular cleaning and inspection of the MRT-3's train cars are integral to the MRT-3's maintenance program, in collaboration with its maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation. Capati has issued a Notice to Explain to Sumitomo Corporation, compelling the company to investigate and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Capati affirmed the ongoing reinforcement of routine sanitation protocols and monitoring efforts to ensure cleanliness and passenger safety on MRT-3 trains. The viral post on Facebook, which emerged on Wednesday, displayed numerous small cockroaches concealed within the handrails of an MRT-3 train, prompting public outrage and demands for immediate pest control actions.
