MPD ready to secure shopping centers in Manila for Christmas season

Manila Police District Director Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay expressed their readiness for the upcoming Christmas season.
During the Manila City Hall Reporters' Association (MACHRA) "Balitaan" forum at the Harbor View Restaurant in Ermita, Manila, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, Ibay said that plans have been laid out to ensure the smooth traffic flow in the areas of Divisoria, Binondo, and Quiapo which are considered as shopping destinations during the holiday season.
He said the three shopping destinations and other large public markets in the city such as Blumentrit and Pritil markets will be monitored because not only Manilenyos shop there but also people from other cities and provinces.
Based on the directives of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, traffic may not be avoided but it should be moving.
The mayor also mandated that major city roads and thoroughfares must be free from illegal vendors and that police visibility must be ensured in the areas to prevent any untoward incident.
Ibay noted that MPD help desks will be installed around the shopping centers and public markets for those who may need police assistance.
Strategic checkpoints will also be conducted in various areas within the city.
Meanwhile, the MPD is also preparing for the possibility of holding the traditional "Traslacion," which may also be allowed next year since the Covid-19 health emergency status was lifted.
He emphasized how devotees have been deprived of the said activity due to the pandemic and therefore they have a strong desire for it to return.
Ibay said the MPD is awaiting announcements from the authorities if the traditional event will be allowed during the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January 2024.
Should the tradition be allowed again, Ibay assured the public, especially the residents of Manila, of the readiness of the MPD to maintain peace and order during the event.