Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade called on law enforcement agencies to enforce stricter security measures on the "EDSA Carousel" following an incident along the busway involving a traffic marshal and an armed individual.
Tugade also urged the riding public to be vigilant and to immediately report to authorities any suspicious activities that they see.
“The security and safety of our commuters are of utmost importance. We at the DOTr are not only tasked to provide the public with convenience in their everyday commute. We also want to ensure their safety and security at the stations and while onboard passenger vehicles, in coordination with concerned law enforcement agencies,” Tugade said.
“I am urging the I-ACT (Interagency Council for Traffic), and the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group to intensify security measures to protect our commuters at every stage of their daily commute using our public transportation systems,” he said.
Tugade made the call following an incident at EDSA Carousel's Ortigas Avenue Station last May 31involving a marshal of the I-ACT and an alleged mentally-disturbed man armed with a knife.
The secretary further appealed to the public to actively participate in maintaining peace and order in transport stations and hubs and even aboard public transport vehicles by being vigilant.
“You are our partners in keeping our transport systems operating at its most efficient levels daily. Peace and order are major components of these systems. Let us all be vigilant. Report to authorities any suspicious incidents that may cause harm and disrupt the operations of our transport systems. Your cooperation is important,” he said.