By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday intensified efforts to restore traffic along EDSA by towing illegally parked vehicles and clearing obstructed lanes as thousands of members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) gathered for a rally near the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Authorities said the demonstration, which began before dawn, caused severe traffic congestion along one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares, affecting thousands of commuters heading to work despite continuous rainfall.
MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said towing operations were immediately launched after illegally parked vehicles and buses narrowed traffic lanes near the rally site.
“Our priority right now is to reopen the road because many people are on their way to work, and they’re also being caught in the rain. The public has to come first,” Torre said in a radio interview.
The MMDA coordinated closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies, deploying traffic personnel, barriers, and towing equipment to gradually reopen affected lanes.
According to police estimates, roughly 7,000 to 9,000 rally participants had gathered near the People Power Monument, with more supporters continuing to arrive despite the inclement weather.
Earlier in the morning, a brief standoff occurred after police and MMDA personnel attempted to remove buses allegedly positioned along EDSA. The situation was peacefully resolved following negotiations between PNP officials and an INC spokesperson, allowing authorities to tow obstructing vehicles and ease the traffic buildup.
The heavy congestion extended beyond the northbound lanes as motorists made U-turns beneath the Ortigas Flyover in an effort to avoid the rally area, creating spillover traffic on the southbound side.
Torre emphasized that while the government fully respects the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully assemble and express their views, the rights of commuters and workers must likewise be protected.
“If they want to hold a rally and express their views, that’s okay. But those who want to work and go to their offices should also be able to get there and do their jobs,” he said.
To ensure the safety of participants, the MMDA also installed traffic cones and protective barriers around the assembly area while maintaining vehicle movement along passable sections of EDSA.
As of the latest reports, the atmosphere between authorities and rally organizers had remained generally peaceful, with the INC program continuing despite heavy rains and attendance still increasing.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation while gradually restoring normal traffic flow in the affected areas.
ia/xf
