Metro's Oplan Kaluluwa in place

MANILA, Philippines -  The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is all set for the implementation of “Oplan Kaluluwa 2011” to ensure public safety and the smooth flow of traffic during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“It’s all systems go for All Saints’ Day. The local government units have also already mapped out their respective rerouting plans, and close coordination is now needed to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said.

Tolentino said the roads leading to the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, Himlayang Pilipino, Manila North and South Cemeteries are their special concerns. He said they will also monitor traffic near the flower market in Dapitan, Manila, and the roads leading to the North and South Luzon Expressways.

“Majority of the MMDA traffic enforcers are tasked to ensure the smooth flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic along Metro Manila’s thoroughfares leading to the major cemeteries,” he said.

“Mobile patrol units, traffic enforcers, police personnel and medical teams will be deployed throughout Metro Manila, especially in the large cemeteries and memorial parks, both public and private. Public assistance stations will also be set up at strategic locations,” he added.

Meanwhile, MMDA assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos has asked the public to avoid EDSA, where heavy traffic is expected, in going to NLEX. He said motorists should instead take C-5, Katipunan, Tandang Sora, Congressional Avenue, and Mindanao Avenue en route to NLEX.

Carlo said motorists may also use the MMDA-designated Mabuhay lanes such as A. Bonifacio Avenue, C-3 Araneta, Magsaysay Boulevard, Nagtahan, President Quirino Avenue and South Superhighway in going to SLEX or the NLEX.  

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) stressed that firearms, deadly weapons, liquor, and loud music are banned in the cemeteries during the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“We advised the public who would visit their departed ones not to bring these traditional banned items because we will confiscate them,” said Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel, NCRPO’s officer-in-charge.

Laurel said Police Assistance Centers that will also be manned by medical teams from the local government will be put up at the gates of the cemeteries.

Meanwhile, Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri said the traffic rerouting plan in the city will be implemented starting at 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.

Under the plan, Gen. San Miguel street will be a one-way road going to Monumento. Those going to Sangandaan must turn right on A. Bato street, left on Torres Bugallon street, left on P. Jacinto street, left on A. Mabini street and straight to Gen. San Miguel street.

All types of vehicles will be prohibited from entering the La Loma Catholic Cemetery at the Manila-Caloocan boundary while motorists coming from Dagat-Dagatan Avenue will have to turn left on Rizal Avenue Extension.

Motorists going to Eternal Gardens will be prevented from using the main road leading to the cemetery and should use Baesa Road instead. Gen. Luis street will be open to all vehicles while the north entrance of Bagbaguin Public Cemetery will be closed.

Those going to the Tala Public Cemetery from Almar must turn right at Phase 3 corner Phase 1, Barangay 176, then left on St. Anthony street to Bagong Silang Road. Lualhati street will be closed and motorists must turn left on Katarungan street until they reach Phase 7-A.

In Marikina City, Mayor Del de Guzman said A. Bonifacio Avenue will be open to one-way traffic from Oct. 30 until noon of Nov. 2. –  Mike Frialde, Non Alquitran, Jerry Botial