Cops okay traffic plan for ASEAN conference

A week before the start of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministerial Meeting to be held in Manila and Pasay City from July 26 to August 2, the police have finalized an elaborate traffic plan that will ensure a hassle-free route for foreign delegates.

The traffic plan will focus on the vicinity of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Plastic road barriers were already placed on roads leading to the PICC following several dry runs to ensure a smooth flow of traffic, said Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias, chief of the Manila Police District’s Traffic Enforcement Unit, who was also designated as chief of Task Force Daloy.

TF Daloy is the police unit responsible for the smooth flow of traffic for all vehicles and convoys of delegates from their hotels to the PICC.

For the purpose of unity of command among all traffic personnel that will be assigned at the ASEAN meet, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla designated Jamias as the overall chief of the traffic plan.

Jamias will be in command of more than 300 police traffic enforcers, including traffic aides of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The traffic and rerouting plan was already in place since Tuesday.

Jamias has ordered the preparation, coordination, monitoring and planning with other government agencies and private sector involved in the holding of the ASEAN summit.

The four lateral roads (Guerrero, Macabenta, portion of Jalandoni and the access road at the back of the Cultural Center of the Philippines) coming from Pedro Bukaneg towards Vicente Sotto were closed to traffic effective last Tuesday.

Only ASEAN delegates will be allowed to use V. Sotto from Hidalgo Circle up to M. Jalandoni, portion of Atang dela Rama from corner Leona Florentino up to Hidalgo Circle, and the stretch of Juan Arellano and Leona Florentino.

The portion of M. Jalandoni from intersection of Macapagal Boulevard and Gil Puyat will be a one-way traffic northbound. Atang dela Rama and the stretch of Gil Puyat are also two-way traffic to accommodate the customers and visitors of Sofitel Hotel, the Senate and the GSIS.

A traffic command post was established inside the VIP delegates parking area in front of the PICC.

All vehicles entering the CCP complex will be subjected to a security check. Only vehicles with security pass will be allowed to gain entry to controlled areas.

Pedestrians are not allowed to enter restricted areas, except those with valid IDs. Vehicles carrying flamable or combustible chemicals or hazardous cargo will not be allowed to pass the traffic security checkpoints.

Vehicles coming from EDSA going to Manila can use Roxas Boulevard, while vehicles using Macapagal Avenue will turn right to Buendia Extension.

Vehicles going to EDSA will use Roxas Boulevard, or right turn to Buendia Extension, then left turn to Macapagal Avenue.

Jamias calls on the cooperation of the motorists and commuters to fully observe the traffic plan.

“The success of the traffic plan will reflect on the capability of the PNP to handle such big events,” he said.  – With Cecille Suerte Felipe