DOTr orders MRT-3 disinfection

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation ordered the sanitation, disinfection and pest control of Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) train sets after a photo of small insects in a train car went viral online, the DOTr said.

Michael Capati, MRT-3 general manager, said the management also ordered maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. to explain the incident.

“MRT-3 is constantly reinforcing routine sanitation protocols and monitoring efforts to further uphold cleanliness and passenger safety,” the MRT-3 management said in a statement.

The DOTr said personnel have inspected and disinfected the reported train to ensure commuter safety.

On Wednesday, commuter Joy Verdal shared on social media photos of tiny roaches crammed into a narrow opening of the train’s railing.

“As someone who leans on the railings, I was surprised when something bit me. When I took a picture, it looked like tiny cockroaches,” Verdal shared in her post.