Poor security in bus stations hit

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza has ordered bus operators to tighten their safety measures in terminals after he himself, found out that many of them are remiss in security.

"There is a need to provide better security arrangements and increased police visibility in and around bus terminals in Metro Manila, especially those operating along the traffic-congested EDSA," he said.

Recently, Mendoza made an on-the-spot inspection of the bus stations along the 14-kilometer stretch of EDSA.

He observed that most of the terminals were lacking in security precautions that could help prevent untoward incidents like the hostage taking in a Pasay City terminal two months ago.

The hostage taking led, not only to the death of victim Dexter Balala, 4, and his attacker, but to public outrage. Pasay City policemen are believed to have mishandled the situation.

Mendoza’s spokesman, Thompson Lantion noted that the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) would be coordinating closely with the Philippine National Police to enlist the deployment of policemen in the bus terminals.

"If possible, we want one policeman posted in every terminal. But bus owners must also reinforce their security personnel. They have to come up with precautionary measures," he added.

During the inspection, Mendoza observed the "decrepit and makeshift conditions" of some bus terminals. – Sheila Crisostomo