DOTr eyes MRT ban on ‘taho-throwing’ Chinese woman
Credit to Author: mfrialde| Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2019 07:55:20 +0000
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking at the possibility of banning the Chinese woman who threw taho at a police officer from riding the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) line.
“We are considering to ban her sa lahat ng MRT-3 stations,” DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications told INQUIRER.net
Meanwhile, the MRT-3 line management, stood firm on its maintainance of tight security measures on its trains and stations.
“MRT-3 would like to stress that tighter security measures being implemented inside our trains and stations means no harm to our passengers,” the line’s management said in a statement.
“We are being cautious since we put in our topmost priorities the safety and security of our passengers and personnel following attacks in Mindanao,” it added.
The MRT-3 statement was issued following the arrest of Jiale Zhang, 23, a first year fashion design student at the MRT Boni station in Mandaluyong City on Saturday morning.
Police said Jiale was arrested after she threw taho (soy pudding) at Police Officer 1 William Cristobal who was stationed at the station.
According to an initial report by the Eastern Police District, Jiale entered the baggage inspection area of the station at about 8:30 a.m. carrying the cup filled with taho.
Police said she was then stopped by a security guard who asked her to consume the taho before entering the station citing the tight security measures being implemented.
But instead of complying, police said Jiale refused and allegedly threw a tantrum. At this point, Cristobal intervened to further explain the security measures. To Cristobal’s surprise, Jiale threw the taho at him.
Following the incident, the MRT-3 management also reiterated its policy on food items.
“It should also be noted that even before the recent ban of bottled water, drinks and liquids, consumption of unsealed food and drinks are prohibited inside trains and stations as this can cause inconvenience, accident and delay to our operations,” it said.
The MRT-3 management then again asked the public for its full cooperation on the intensified security measures in all of its stations.
Chinese nationals led the list of foreigners who were denied entry to the Philippines last year for disrespectful behavior toward immigration officers, the Bureau of Immigration said. /muf