DOTr seeks to heighten security at EDSA Busway after knife attack

A video of a man attacking an Inter-Agency Council (I-ACT) marshal and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel with a knife surfaced online. The incident took place at the EDSA Busway Ortigas Avenue station in the light of day, in the presence of many commuters. This happened after the said PCG operative attempted to usher the man away from the station. 

Lalaking "pilay", bistado nang habulin ng patalim ang IACT marshal! [Video source: GMA News]

In response to this, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade is now seeking to provide more security at the EDSA Busway. He addressed this to I-ACT, as well as to the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG).  

In a statement, Tugade said that: 

“The security and safety of our commuters are of utmost importance. We at the DOTr are not only tasked to provide the public with convenience in their everyday commute. We also want to ensure their safety and security at the stations and while onboard passenger vehicles, in coordination with concerned law enforcement agencies.” 

He also added that we must all be vigilant, and we should report to the proper authorities any suspicious activities that might disrupt public transport and cause harm to the public.   

With regards to the aforementioned incident, it was reported that the perpetrator of the attack was using crutches as he was blocking buses attempting to leave the EDSA Busway Ortigas Ave. Station. He was also extorting money from commuters at knifepoint. 

A bus stop along EDSA

The I-ACT marshal, a PGC personnel by the name of Julius Gibran Abundol III attempted to stop this but was instead attacked. A bus controller came to the aid of Abundol, and the perpetrator was consequently apprehended by the PNP-HPG. Reports say that he was not mentally sound. 

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