THE Metro Manila Development Authority said Monday it will close this afternoon the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard in connection with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The closure of Roxas Boulevard from P. Burgos in Manila to Gil Puyat in Pasay City will begin at 2 p.m. and last until 9 pm.
A total truck ban will also be imposed in the area.
The MMDA, in coordination with the National Capital Region Police Office, prepared a traffic rerouting scheme for motorists to observe during the grand parade and landmark lighting activity at the CCP Complex.
NCRPO spokeswoman Kimberly Molitas said the CCP Complex had been declared as an Asean Delegates Zone, and so motorists must take the alternate routes.
“Affected trucks are advised to do a right turn on Edsa [Epifanio delos Santos Avenue] and left to the South Super Highway to the Port Area,” she said.
Metro Manila police director Oscar Albayalde ordered his men to intensify police visibility, conduct patrols, provide route security and manage the traffic with the MMDA and local traffic enforcers.
“Should there be any concern, we encourage the public to report immediately through text or call the Task Force Manila hotline 0995-503-1670”, said Albayalde, the official tasked to oversee the security measure during the entire Asean Minister’s meeting and other related events from Aug. 2 to 8.
The grand parade from the Rizal Park to the CCP Complex will be open to the public.
Asean Task Force chief Napoleon Taas said the traffic plan laid out by the MMDA and the city governments of Manila, Pasay and Makati was meant to ensure the smooth conduct of the activities with the least inconvenience to the general public.
“Public support and understanding is necessary to ensure the success of the events lined up during those dates,” he said.
Taas said advisories would be posted in strategic areas and in the various media platforms to guide the public and commuters on the traffic management plan.
A stop-and-go scheme will be activated during the passage of the VIPs along the designated delegates’ route, while normal traffic flow will resume immediately after the passage of the last convoy.