LEGAZPI, Philippines – Authorities and residents have expressed alarm over a series of train accidents in Albay, the last of which resulted in the death of a teenager in Barangay Inarado in Daraga town.
At least 14 people have figured in three train accidents in the province over the past 60 days, the latest being a 17-year-old female who died in Barangay Inarado, Daraga town, around 8:40 pm on September 10.
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Azotea, Daraga police chief, said the last two accidents occurred in the same barangay in less than a month.
“We, at the Philippine National Police, are doing our best. If we see that there is a liability on the part of the train operator, we will file a criminal case,” Azotea said.
Azotea said the recent cases were still under investigation, and appealed to the public to take precautions near or when crossing railways.
“We want to remind the public that when crossing the railway, not only in Daraga, but anywhere, if possible, open your vehicle’s windows so that you can hear the train’s siren and avoid accidents. Those in the residential areas, please help the authorities in ensuring your safety by following the safety signages and policies,” he said.
Gina Sanchez, a woman living near the railroad for over 24 years, said she was worried for the safety of her three grandchildren after the recent accidents.
“I really couldn’t sleep for days because we were so scared for the children’s safety. I also always remind them not to cross the railways, especially when they hear the train,” the 52-year-old Sanchez said.
Sanchez said it was alarming because many children were playing on and along the railroads.
“I do laundry every day but when the train passes, I put down whatever I am doing and warn the children to stay away from the railings so that they don’t get hit by the train,” she said.
Sanchez and other residents are concerned about the old railroads, a damaged wooden bridge connecting sections of the tracks, and dangerous train crossing spots they fear could lead to more accidents.
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) route between Legazpi City and Naga City currently passes through several densely populated residential areas and traffic crossings without barriers, unlike the platform barriers in Metro Manila.
Many Filipinos live near railways due to economic hardship and a lack of affordable housing. Informal settlers often build homes along rail tracks because the land is accessible and, in many cases, unregulated. Despite the dangers, these communities remain, as residents have few other options.
Call for help, accountability
Rolando Andes, a 59-year-old resident of Bagtang, Daraga, for more than 30 years, was involved in a train accident on July 8. He lost several fingers and he was left unable to work for nearly three months as a result.
“I didn’t even receive even P5 in aid when I was hospitalized. There was no help or even a representative of the PNR who checked on me after I had the accident,” Andes said.
He said he paid at least P10,500 in hospital bills, excluding the cost of medications. Unable to work, he said he had to beg for alms from passersby for his medical needs.
Meanwhile, Azotea said the PNR has implemented several safety measures. He added that the PNR has installed security features and safety signs to remind people to stay cautious.
“Last week, the PNR had clearing operations with the PNP, especially in crossings as a precautionary measure. The PNR is doing their part in avoiding such incidents,” Azotea said.
Rappler tried to ask PNR about their policies in dealing with accidents, but no one at its Legazpi could provide answers relative to the recent accidents. – Rappler.com
Reinnard Balonzo is a senior journalism student at Bicol University-College of Arts and Letters. An Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow of Rappler for 2024, he is also chairperson of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Bicol.