Gov't ready to secure INC centennial event

MANILA, Philippines - Task Force Sentenaryo, a high-level task force led by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), on Wednesday said it is ready for the upcoming 100th year anniversary celebration of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) on July 27 in Bocaue, Bulacan.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said all the necessary traffic and security measures have been finalized to ensure the peaceful and orderly commemoration of the INC Centennial Year, which is expected to be attended by up to 3 million members.

"In coordination with concerned government agencies, provincial municipal government of Bocaue, Bulacan, and the INC leadership, we have finalized our preparations for this big event,” Tolentino, appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III to head the task force, said.

The traffic management measures firmed up by the task force cover the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), MacArthur Highway, Mindanao Avenue Extension and adjacent roads.

Tolentino said they expected INC members to arrive at the newly inaugurated Philippine Arena in Bocaue, the venue of the anniversary, a day before the event in at least 10,000 buses, 2,400 vans and Asian Utility Vehicles, and private vehicles.

The following areas have been designated as parking areas: Sta. Maria bypass; and Balagtas bypass along MacArthur Highway from Monumento to Calumpit, Bulacan. A portion of the Mindanao Avenue Extension will also be closed for parking purposes.

In case of traffic gridlock along NLEX, a “zipper lane” will be put up to enable northbound vehicles to counter-flow on the opposite lane and ease up traffic flow. Three areas have been already prepared for this with the help of NLEX authorities.

Tolentino said the task force has also suggested to the Toll Regulatory Board to dedicate toll booths for Bocaue-bound vehicles and “prepaid toll fees” to hasten the entry of vehicles at NLEX.

He pointed out the possibility of heavy traffic at the SMART-connect interchange and NLEX towards the Arena, especially in the morning rush hours.

“INC will also put up medical booths inside the Philippine Arena for its members,” Tolentino added.

MMDA has formed the 2,000-strong Metro Manila Public Safety Legion that will be deployed in Bocaue to maintain peace and order, implement a comprehensive traffic management plan during the event and do a post-activity cleanup at the site.

The legion is composed of traffic constables, rescuers and policemen coming from the 17 local government units in Metro Manila.

Two MMDA headquarters will also be set up in Marilao, Bulacan to respond to any type of emergencies, according to Tolentino.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), meanwhile, will send a company-sized military personnel for additional security, four M35 trucks, explosive and ordnance experts and K-9 units.

"With all these preparations and contingency measures, we can assure our brothers and sisters in INC that their centennial celebration will be smooth and orderly,” Tolentino said.

Aside from the 2,000-strong Metro Manila Public Safety Legion, Tolentino said 500 traffic personnel will also be deployed to assist delegates coming to and from the venue to augment elements from the Philippine National Police-Region 3 and the Northern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The contingent will be dispatched on the morning of July 26 and will be on duty until the evening of July 27.