Strikers stall MICP operations resulting in traffic gridlock along Roxas Boulevard

MANILA, Philippines - Hundreds of striking workers paralyzed operations at the Manila International Container Port at the North Harbor, resulting in a massive traffic gridlock along Roxas Boulevard yesterday afternoon.

Motorists and commuters, who were caught in the traffic jam which extended up to Quirino Avenue in the northbound portion of Roxas Boulevard, could only curse and spew expletives at the situation, while others decided to just walk to their offices and suffered the inconvenience of leg cramps.

Traffic policemen, led by Superintendent Rizaldy Yap, had their hands full in untangling the traffic gridlock. “We were caught by surprise with the sudden volume of container trucks along Roxas Boulevard going to the MICP,” Yap told The STAR.    

According to Yap, striking workers at the North Harbor barricaded the entrances and exits at the MICP that grounded cargo trucks along Roxas Boulevard. “The incoming trucks increased in volume thus clogging the stretch of Roxas Boulevard. Trucks were not moving since the MICP was closed by strikers,” Yap said.

To solve the situation, Yap grounded all the container trucks in one portion of the Anda Circle and allowed only the movement of private and passenger vehicles.

“I did not allow all the passing container trucks to proceed to MICP since they will only clog the street,” Yap said.

The traffic chief coordinated with MICP officials to solve the traffic mess.  

No one was reported hurt in the strike.