The decoupling of an MRT3 train and the subsequent dangerous disembarkation of passengers on the rail like took a bizzare twist after the Department of Transportation hinted at sabotage.

In a press statement worthy of a Dan Brown novel, the DOTr implied that someone may have messed around with the coupling device that connects the carriages together during travel.

“Upon initial investigation of the unfortunate incident, it was found out that the Messma Card of the decoupled Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) #68, the third car in Train #5 is missing. The Messma Card functions like a blackbox that records all applied intervention,” the statement said.

And while that may not be so out of the ordinary, the press statement goes on to put the mystery spin to the whole issue.

“”Imposibleng magkahiwalay ang coupler kung walang human intervention,” Jose said – (referring to MRT-3 Safety Chief Technician Ruel Jose)”

“We ask: What is the motive? Who has the capability of removing the black box? Was this an attempt to cover up a mistake on the operation of Train No. 5? Or was there an effort to sabotage the entire operation?”

In an added twist, the DOTr statement also admitted they have been considering shutting down MRT3 because of clamor to do so to prevent more accidental. But DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade was quick to reply they cannot because of the 500,000 commuters who depend on the rail line everyday.

“Basta sa pagsisikap at kasiguruhan ng technical team na ligtas pa rin ang pagsakay sa MRT, tuloy pa rin ang byahe. Bagamat nandyan pa rin ang option na itigil pansamantala ang operation kung ito na talaga ang nararapat na gawin,” DOTr Sec. Tugade said.

For now, they are investigating the incident and are looking to finding out who, if any, are responsible.

“The MRT-3 problem is not easy. We acknowledge that it cannot be solved overnight. But, the government is not giving up. The DOTr will not give up. We will do our best until the Filipino people get the service they deserve,” the statement closed.