Permanent metal detectors to be installed at LRT, MRT stations

Permanent metal detectors will be installed in all entrances to the LRT and MRT commuter stations as a security measure to ward off terrorist threats in the metropolis’ railway systems.

This was announced yesterday by Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez following the spate of deadly bombings in General Santos City on Sunday and Monday and the planting of explosives by unidentified persons in several spots in Metro Manila last month.

"The installation of metal detectors at all LRT and MRT stations is the government’s response to terrorist threats and our assurance that passengers will be amply secured," said Alvarez.

He said the DOTC will coordinate with the Light Railway Transit Authority and the Metro Rail Transit Corp. operators of LRT and MRT, respectively, for the prompt purchase of the metal detectors.

Although security guards conduct searches on bags of passengers, police authorities believe this is not an adequate security procedure.

Alvarez lamented that sometimes the security inspection is not done thoroughly and in some cases the security personnel are not properly trained on how to look for explosives.

"The metal detectors will definitely be more reliable than a simple visual inspection. Their cost is certainly a wise investment to save lives and prevent terrorists from pursuing their dastardly acts," he said.

Police say the LRT and MRT train stations are ideal targets of terrorists because they are always full of people and there are no high-tech security equipment installed.

Meanwhile, Alvarez called on transport companies to strengthen their security precaution against terrorist attacks on bus terminals and piers.