Safety, security deal allows Coast Guard personnel to ride LRT-2 for free

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard can ride Light Rail Transit-Line 2 trains for free based on a recently signed public transport safety and security agreement between the PCG and LRT-2.

Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Jeremy Regino and retired PCG Commandant Admiral Leopoldo Laroya signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) that formalized PCG and LRTA’s “mutual support and cooperation to best deliver to the public their respective mandates.”

In a statement on Thursday, PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said the Coast Guard would reinforce security at LRT-2 stations by providing security teams to assist the train management in performing emergency drills for train employees, security personnel, and commuters.

Coast Guard K9 dogs and handlers would also assist train security guards in patrolling and conducting security measures at LRT-2 stations during emergencies.

Balilo said the PCG would also deploy medical personnel to perform RT-PCR tests on LRTA employees, maintenance, and utility personnel to uphold their health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PCG and the LRT-2 agreed that the MOA would take effect for three years unless revoked upon mutual written consent.

The commissioned officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the Coast Guard must present their government-issued identification cards to ride the trains for free.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade announced on Thursday the appointment of an officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) following Admiral Laroya's retirement.

During Laroya's retirement ceremony, Tugade announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante as OIC of the PCG, effective February 11. — DVM, GMA News