Motorists along España Boulevard experienced heavy traffic after members of the Manila Police District (MPD) blocked the protesters belonging to transport groups at Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City from heading to Mendiola, Manila on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Transport groups Manibela and Piston organized a nationwide protest caravan from the Univesity of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City to Mendiola in Manila to oppose the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
MPD Traffic Enforcement Unit had closed the southbound lane of España Boulevard to stop the protesters from entering Manila.
According to MPD officers, the blockage stemmed from the disturbance that the transport groups caused during their previous protests.
Around 300 members of the transport groups carried out the protest program on España Boulevard, which was supposed to be in Mendiola.
Authorities advised motorists to take alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.
Members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said that the event was concluded at 1:50 a.m. on Wednesday with no untoward major incidents reported.
On Jan. 17, QCPD said it had successfully implemented proactive strategies during the protest caravan which led to a peaceful management of the said activity.
A thorough briefings and debriefings for the deployed personnel were conducted ensuring comprehensive oversight of the event and facilitating the smooth flow of traffic.
To join forces of the Manila police, QCPD deployed policemen from La Loma, and Galas police stations and from district headquarters to ensure security amid the strike.