By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Security around Malacañang Palace was tightened Tuesday morning as authorities imposed a lockdown on key access points and closed several roads in Manila amid simultaneous rallies staged by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Quezon City and at Liwasang Bonifacio.
Beginning around 6 a.m., police enforced heightened security measures by closing the Solano Gate and Arlegui Gate, two of the principal entrances to the Malacañang complex. Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were deployed to secure the area and regulate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Traffic authorities also implemented road closures around the vicinity of Ayala Bridge and P. Casal Street to prevent vehicles from entering areas affected by the security lockdown.
The westbound lane of P. Casal, from the intersection of Arlegui Street to Carlos Palanca Street, was closed to motorists, while access to Ayala Bridge from Ayala Boulevard was likewise restricted.
To ease congestion, vehicles coming from Recto Avenue and Mendiola and bound for Quiapo, Taft Avenue, or Padre Burgos Avenue were diverted through Arlegui Street.
Meanwhile, motorists approaching from Carlos Palanca Street who would normally cross Ayala Bridge were redirected toward P. Casal and advised to take alternate routes through the Nagtahan area before proceeding to Roxas Boulevard and southern Metro Manila.
The lockdown coincided with large-scale INC gatherings at the People Power Monument along EDSA and Liwasang Bonifacio, where thousands of supporters assembled to express support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta following the announcement that the Office of the Ombudsman intends to file a non-bailable plunder case against him.
Authorities said the security measures were precautionary and aimed at ensuring public safety, protecting government installations, and maintaining peace and order while allowing rally participants to exercise their right to peaceful assembly.
As of the latest reports, police remained on heightened alert while traffic enforcers continued managing vehicle flow around the affected areas. Authorities advised motorists to avoid roads near Malacañang and use alternate routes until normal traffic operations are restored.
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