MRT-3 on heightened alert, bus trips near full capacity for midterm polls

Metro Manila, Philippines - Ahead of the May 12 elections, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) has been placed on heightened alert, while some weekend trips at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) are quickly approaching full capacity.

In an advisory, the train operator said it has enough train sets to accommodate passengers on election day.

“Nakatutok ang mga security personnel para mapanatili ang kaayusan sa mga istasyon, samantalang mayroon ding mga naka-deploy na lokal na pulis sa help desks na maaaring lapitan para sa anumang security concern,” it said.

[Translation: The security personnel are focused on maintaining order at the stations, while local police officers are also deployed at the help desks, which can be approached for any security concerns.]

Meanwhile, data from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, showed 80% of the bus trips for Visayas and Mindanao are already booked on Saturday, May 10. Trips for Bicol are also 60% booked for the same day.

The PITX management earlier said over 1.2 million passengers are expected from May 5 to 13.

At ports, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it is estimating over 1.1 million passengers from May 9 to 13 - a 5% increase from passengers recorded in the 2022 elections.

“We are implementing full manning of personnel from port operations and port security units handling frontline services. We are also strengthening coordination with the Coast Guard, law enforcement, and shipping lines to ensure our ports remain safe, secure, and passenger-friendly,” Jay Santigo, PPA general manager said in a press statement.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.