The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the MRT-3 management announced their intensified sanitation and pest control measures in an online statement, following a passenger report of insect sightings on the train.

According to the agency, the MRT-3 continues to reinforce regular cleaning, disinfection, and inspection protocols across all train sets and stations to ensure a safe and hygienic commuting environment. These efforts are carried out in coordination with its maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation.

The alert came after a college student shared on a commuter Facebook group that she had been allegedly bitten by small insects while riding an MRT-3 train on Wednesday afternoon. Verdal said the insects appeared to resemble tiny cockroaches.

Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez immediately instructed MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati to investigate the matter and take swift action.

GM Capati issued a Notice to Explain (NTE) to Sumitomo Corporation and confirmed that the affected train set underwent immediate inspection and disinfection.

“MRT-3 is constantly reinforcing routine sanitation protocols and monitoring efforts to uphold cleanliness and passenger safety,” the DOTr-MRT-3 statement read.

The agency further assured that regular cleaning schedules, disinfection, and pest control measures remain a top priority as part of the MRT-3’s ongoing maintenance program.