In a move to enhance public safety, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has ramped up security measures at various Philippine National Railways (PNR) stations across the region. This initiative, spearheaded by PRO-5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, aims to safeguard commuters in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Naga City.
Dizon emphasized the deployment of dedicated police personnel to monitor and protect the railway lines, stating that officers are also engaging with local communities to promote safety and well-being. The PNR line spans through four towns in Albay, eight in Camarines Sur, and Naga City, making the security enhancement crucial for maintaining order and reducing incidents.
Last year, the PNR reported 32 incidents, including five fatalities, highlighting the need for increased vigilance. In response, the PNR organized a safety summit in Naga City, themed ‘Stop, Look, and Listen: Maging Alerto, Para Iwas Peligro,’ to educate over 500 participants on safe practices around railway tracks. The summit provided essential safety tips, such as looking both ways before crossing tracks and staying alert without distractions.
Additionally, PNR General Manager Deovanni Miranda addressed misinformation about travel times, clarifying that the two-hour travel time from Calamba, Laguna, to Legazpi City is inaccurate. Currently, only trips from Naga City to Sipocot are operational, with the Legazpi to Naga route suspended due to damage from weather disturbances in 2024. The PNR is working to resume this service by early February.