PUBLIC SAFETY. Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon in this undated photo. He said on Wednesday (Jan. 22, 2025) that PRO-5 has enhanced security measures at various Philippine National Railways (PNR) train stations in the Bicol region to ensure the safety of commuters. (Photo from Brig. Gen. Dizon’s Facebook page)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has enhanced security measures at various Philippine National Railways (PNR) train stations in the Bicol region to ensure the safety of commuters.
In a media interview, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said police visibility and assistance have been increased across two provinces and one city along the PNR railways.
“The PRO-5 secures the PNR line in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Naga City. We have dedicated personnel to man, guard, and secure the railways. The police officers also engage in dialogues with residents, barangay officials, and other personnel to disseminate information on the importance of promoting safety and community well-being,” he said.
The PNR line runs through at least four towns in Albay, eight in Camarines Sur, and Naga City. Dizon said this initiative is aimed at maintaining order and reducing undesired incidents at train stations and along the railways.
“With proper information and direct involvement of our personnel, we will be able to meet the needs and ensure the safety of the public,” he added.
The PNR recently held a safety summit focused on promoting safe practices among passengers and encouraging vigilance among residents living near railway tracks in Naga City.
With the theme “Stop, Look, and Listen: Maging Alerto, Para Iwas Peligro,” the summit underscored the importance of public awareness and responsible behavior around railway infrastructures to more than 500 participants.
During the summit, PNR provided safety tips for pedestrians crossing railroad tracks at designated crossings, which are marked by signs, lights, or gates.
Participants are advised to look both ways before crossing and to remain alert, keeping their heads up and devices down. They were likewise cautioned never to rush or try to beat a train, as it may be closer and faster than it appears.
Drivers were also reminded to stay vigilant at railroad crossings. They should always stop when trains are approaching, and wait until the train has completely passed before crossing.
In a separate interview, PNR General Manager Deovanni Miranda addressed misinformation circulating on social media regarding the alleged two-hour travel time from Calamba, Laguna to Legazpi City.
“I have instructed my team to clarify this issue. The two-hour travel time being circulated is incorrect. Even with existing and new projects, including the South Long Haul Project, we cannot achieve a two-hour travel time over the stretch,” he emphasized.
At the moment, only train trips from Naga City to Sipocot in Camarines Sur are available. Other sections of the Calamba to Naga route are suspended due to damages on train cars and equipments from the successive weather disturbances in 2024.
The PNR assured the public, however, that they are doing their best to resume trip by the first week of February. (PNA)