PNR ferries stranded Bicolanos back home

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) train service has joined the bandwagon in bringing home in Bicol hundreds of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) caught by the travel restrictions imposed in Metro Manila since March, the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) said.

Amber Mirandilla, PMS acting regional director, said over two hundred LSI in Manila availed of the “Hatid Probinsiya” program, a joint undertaking of the PMS, PNR, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and other national government agencies.

Mirandilla said the second batch of 117 LSI arrived via the PNR train on June 25, while the first batch composed of the same number arrived last June 20 this year.

The LSIs from various Bicol provinces disembarked at Ragay Station for LSIs going to Camarines Norte, Libmanan Station for passengers bound for Camarines Sur, Naga City Station (Naga City), Iriga City (Camarines Sur) and Ligao City Station for passengers bound for Masbate, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Albay.

Arriving stranded individuals are required to undergo screening and quarantine by the receiving local government units (LGUs) before going back to their respective homes.

PNR used two locomotives, the Bicol Express sleeper coach and the EMU coaches.

Prior to departure in Tutuban terminal, the train coaches were disinfected and sanitation procedures were also complied with by the passengers and crew, she said.