Solon wants probe on alleged MRT sabotage

FILE: Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) (PNA photo)

MANILA — A militant lawmaker in the House of Representatives is calling for a thorough investigation on the allegations of “human intervention” and a possible act of sabotage behind the incident of decoupling train coaches at the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3).

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate made the call on Friday after it was revealed in initial findings by the MRT’s technical team that the black box of the decoupled coach was missing.

“This incident should be thoroughly investigated, especially the angle of sabotage or it was just the poor maintenance of the trains that caused the accident,” Zarate said.

Over 100 passengers were forced to walk to the next station on Thursday morning after a train coach detached from a northbound train between the Ayala and Buendia stations.

Zarate said the train detachment incident puts into question the safety of the commuters.

The solon urged the House Committee on Transportation to look into the latest incident of MRT-3 mishap.

“With the supposed loss of the black box, all CCTV in the depot and the tracks should be reviewed.

We must also ascertain who would benefit if the MRT is sabotaged or put out of service,” he said.

He also called on the Duterte administration to completely take over the rail systems and concentrate on making the MRT and other mass transit systems “safe, reliable, affordable, and efficient.”