The Philippine Star

MRT allows liquids up to 100 ml

- – Robertzon Ramirez, Emmanuel Tupas, Eva Visperas

Days after banning all bottled drinks and liquids, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) yesterday started allowing liquids and beverages up to 100 milliliter­s.

“Bottled water, drinks and other types of liquids such as perfume, rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers 100 ml and below are now allowed at MRT-3 train stations,” the rail line said in a statement.

The MRT-3 said it is not being lenient – it is only part of security measures being implemente­d to protect passengers.

Commuters whose items were confiscate­d may start claiming them, provided they present valid identifica­tion cards, the rail line said.

Meanwhile, police officers serenaded MRT-3 commuters and gave women roses and candies to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Among those who distribute­d roses to commuters was Police Officer 1 William Cristobal, who was conferred a medal after Chinese fashion design student Zhang Jiale threw a cup of taho or soybean dessert at him at the MRT-3’s Boni Avenue station last Saturday after he barred her from entering the train station.

The incident elicited anger from the public.

Zhang has since been charged with direct assault and is currently in the custody of the Bureau of Immigratio­n for her deportatio­n proceeding­s.

‘Another chance’

Zhang’s guardians, Oscar and Rosalinda Saplaco of Barangay Mancup in Calasiao, Pangasinan, said their “hearts are broken” because of the incident.

“Please give her a second chance,” Oscar said, adding that Zhang did not know about the liquids ban. “Her perennial breakfast is taho and at the time, she was in a hurry.”

He said that five years ago, Zhang and her biological parents were in Tondaligan Beach in Dagupan City and asked him if they knew a Christian church and a place where they could stay.

The Saplacos ended up playing host to Zhang and her family whenever they go to Pangasinan, Oscar said.

 ?? MICHAEL VARCAS ?? Officers from the Quezon City Police District dance with two commuters as their colleagues hold a mini-concert at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3’s Cubao station to mark Valentine’s Day yesterday.
MICHAEL VARCAS Officers from the Quezon City Police District dance with two commuters as their colleagues hold a mini-concert at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3’s Cubao station to mark Valentine’s Day yesterday.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines