DOTC seeks better lighting at MRT, LRT stations

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has ordered officials of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) to install more lights at their stations to help prevent crime.

DOTC spokesman Thompson Lantion said adequate lighting will help deter lawless elements from preying on commuters and pedestrians during the late hours.

A few months ago, a female crew member of a Jollibee restaurant was brutally killed by unidentified men who robbed her of valuables near the MRT station in Guadalupe, Makati.

Lantion noted that most criminals hide behind the darkness of the night."The move will protect not only the passengers of the two elevated railways system but pedestrians as well, he said.

Even as this developed, a group of teenagers was apprehended for mugging a commuter along EDSA in Makati City early yesterday.

PO2 Roldan Daniel of the Makati police said they nabbed 11 persons with ages ranging from 16 to 19 years old.

The incident took place at around 1:10 a.m. along the southbound lane of EDSA near the MRT station in Magallanes, Makati City.

Six barangay tanods from Barangay San Lorenzo, led by Rolando Castro, were patrolling the area on board their service vehicle when they saw a group of men standing over a man lying on the ground near the flyover.

When they moved in to investigate, the suspects immediately fled towards the direction of Pasong Tamo and boarded a waiting Tamaraw FX (WCL-633). The tanods managed to block the vehicle and apprehended all 11 persons on board.

According to victim Angelito Gonzales, 30, an employee of CIBI Information Inc. in Barangay La Paz, Makati City, he was waiting for a ride home when the group approached him.

Armed with various weapons, including a handgun, the suspects attempted to take his bag. The victim was trying to fend them off when the tanods arrived.

Only three members of the group claimed to be of legal age, with the driver, a certain Ryan Parado, a student and resident of Westmont Village, Parañaque City, being the oldest at 19. The other two are aged 18.

All but three of the suspects are residents of various subdivisions in Parañaque City. The three others are from Sta. Ana and Pandacan in Manila and Mandaluyong City.

Charges of robbery-holdup would be filed against the suspects pending the verification of their ages. – Sheila Crisostomo, Marvin Sy