Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

Dabet Panelo

Raphael Bosano

Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA (UPDATED) — A commuter’s viral post showing cockroaches clustered in a crevice the hand railing in one train car of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has raised concerns about cleanliness and sanitation in one of Metro Manila’s busiest transport systems.</p><p>For commuter Joy Verdal, the discovery was unsettling. She said she first felt something bite her after resting her arm on the railing while riding the train on Wednesday.</p><p>“Sinandal ko po yung braso ko tapos naramdaman ko po na biglang may kumagat po. After kong picturan, may isang lumabas na bilog na kulay brown. Nagtayuan po yung balahibo ko nun ilang beses po. Nung tinignan ko po kasi gumagalaw galaw sila, madami po kasi eh,” Verdal said.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FabscbnNEWS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02PYs3AqxRk358YUTz9922bUqPR5QWvUfecLCiqpQtUnPz15eKCNNHawTVeBzUAE4gl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="754" style="border:none;overflow:hidden;--darkreader-inline-border-top:0px;--darkreader-inline-border-right:0px;--darkreader-inline-border-bottom:0px;--darkreader-inline-border-left:0px" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" data-darkreader-inline-border-top="" data-darkreader-inline-border-right="" data-darkreader-inline-border-bottom="" data-darkreader-inline-border-left=""></iframe></div><p>Photos she uploaded online show the roaches tightly packed inside a narrow gap in a portion of the train’s railing. Visible in the image are numerous small cockroaches emerging from a small gap. Aside from the insects, stains and dirt around the area were also noticeable.</p><p>Her post quickly went viral and eventually reached the Department of Transportation (DOTr).</p><p>In a statement, the Department of Transportation assured the public that sanitation measures are regularly carried out.</p><p>“Please be assured that we maintain continuous and proactive disinfection and sanitation across all our train sets and stations to ensure a clean and safe environment for our passengers,” the DOTr said.</p><p>MRT-3 management also said routine cleaning and inspections are conducted as part of its ongoing maintenance program in coordination with its maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation.</p><p>According to MRT-3, General Manager Michael Capati has issued a notice to explain to Sumitomo Corporation regarding the incident. The specific train involved in the complaint has also been subjected to inspection.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Health risks from roaches</strong></div><p>Public disgust toward cockroaches is not without basis. Aside from causing skin irritation when they bite, cockroaches may also carry harmful microorganisms.</p><p>According to research cited by the National Institutes of Health, cockroaches can harbor food-borne pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella Typhi, and Rotavirus.</p><p>These microorganisms may cause illnesses including diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Commuter appeals for cleaner trains</strong></div><p>Verdal hopes the incident will prompt authorities to improve sanitation in MRT trains, which serve thousands of passengers daily.</p><p>“Panatilihin po nilang malinis yung tren kasi marami pong nagcocommute araw araw. May mga bata pa po at babies na baka makagat ng ganon. Nakakapanindig balahibo pa rin po,” she said.</p><p>Health experts say that if a person is bitten by a cockroach, the affected area should be washed immediately with soap and water. </p><p>Applying calamine lotion may also help reduce itching, rashes, or swelling.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/3/mrt-3-offers-free-rides-for-international-women-s-day-1450">MRT-3 offers free rides for women on International Women&#x27;s Day</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kSG51z_VFa8?si=Njl8FmtYZVXFm6jK" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>A commuter’s viral post showing cockroaches clustered in a crevice the hand railing in one train car of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has raised concerns about cleanliness and sanitation in one of Metro Manila’s busiest transport systems.</p>

A commuter’s viral post showing cockroaches clustered in a crevice the hand railing in one train car of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has raised concerns about cleanliness and sanitation in one of Metro Manila’s busiest transport systems.

MRT-3 checking viral post on cockroaches in train

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MRT-3 checking viral post on cockroaches in train

Marilyn Cahatol,

Dabet Panelo,

Raphael Bosano,

Bayan Mo,

Ipatrol Mo,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 06, 2026 12:33 PM PHT

|

Updated March 06, 2026 08:59 PM PHT

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