MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), other government agencies and local government units are preparing for the national rally for peace of religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Monday, January 13. 

MMDA chairman Atty. Romando Artes said several roads in the city of Manila will be temporarily closed on Monday.

These are Katigbak Drive, South Drive, Roxas Blvd (from U.N. Avenue to P. Burgos) TM Kalaw, Bonifacio Drive (from P. Burgos to Anda Circle) P. Burgos and Ma. Orosa. 

Artes said an estimated half a million participants are expected to join the said activity. 

According to Artes, the flow of traffic is expected to be severely disrupted as 15,000 vehicles will reportedly converge in different parts of the city as part of the event.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes.

Artes said only one lane will be allowed for participants to park.

Those who fail to follow this rule will be given a citation ticket, while unattended vehicles will be towed. 

”Kung 3 lanes yang kalsada, dapat isang lane lang ang sasakupin, so anyone na magviolate nung rule na 1 lane lamang ay i-isyuhan natin ng ticket, kung walang driver ipato-tow ko po yan, dahil hindi puwedeng barahan yung kalsada na wala nang ibang makakadaan, delikado po yan,” Artes warned. 

MMDA said it will also deploy portable toilets in the area. 

Philippine National Police Chief Police Gen. Rommel Marbil said it will deploy more than 2,000 personnel to secure the rally. 

“In Metro Manila, more or less 2,500 (policemen to be deployed). Pero ang mga pulis namin nakaalert naman po iyan, Mas prepared kami. We’re expecting more or less 500,000 that will be going to Quirino Grandstand na aattend ng rally,” Marbil said.