Rail track suicides worry officials

Manila: Aside from keeping a close look at freeloaders liable to jump the turnstyles for a free ride at any one of the three Metro Manila's Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems, officials said they are more concerned about the increasing number of suicides on the tracks.

"Historically, December is the month when most of the track suicides take place," Melquiades Robles administrator of the LRT Authority said.

He said they can offer no clear explanation on what it is in December that makes it the most favoured month by Filipinos who commit suicides in the tracks.

"I'm sure it is not relatively the colder weather," he said. According to Robles at least five people had jumped off the tracks and into their deaths this December.

Jumping from the LRT tracks assures a quick death for those committing suicide at it is certain that the onrushing train would make short work of the fallen body.

Robles said the Vito Cruz station recorded the most number of incidents at three.

He said being on the look out for track jumpers pose an additional task for security guards tasked at looking after the safety of the commuters.

"We had to look out for criminal elements and terrorists as well," he said. Robles said to make things a little easier for the package inspectors, train commuters should expect all their belongings to be inspected, including wrapped gifts.

At a press conference in Pasig City, he advised commuters not to bring sealed packages or Christmas gifts that cannot be opened to avoid hassle and delays.

"The security arrangement has not been changed. Even Christmas gifts have to be opened," Robles said.

He said passengers can still bring wrapped Christmas gifts, but they should have openings so the security guards can inspect them.

Robles said security is stringent and adequate. Among the measures implemented is the deployment of more blue guards and policemen manning the gates of all stations of LRT's Lines 1 and 2.

At least 580,000 Filipinos take the LRT Lines 1 and 2 every month.