Manila, March 6 -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday ordered the maintenance provider of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to intensify its sanitation and pest control procedures following a post showing pest-ridden handrails inside a train that went viral on social media.

In a statement on Friday, DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez instructed MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati to address the issue.

"The concerned train set underwent immediate inspection and disinfection by the maintenance team," Lopez said.

Regular cleaning and inspection of the MRT-3's train cars are part of the MRT-3's maintenance program in coordination with its maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation.

Capati has since issued a Notice to...