MRT allows liquids up to 100 ml

MANILA, Philippines — 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. – Emmanuel Tupas, Eva Visperas