MMDA: Expect heavy traffic around Bulacan till Monday

MANILA, Philippines – Expect heavy traffic around Bulacan until morning of Monday, July 28, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) advised motorists on Sunday, July 27.

At least 10,000 buses, 2,400 vans and other private vehicles made their way to Ciudad de Victoria in Bulacan for the centennial celebration of the 2-million strong Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

In a tweet posted early Sunday, MMDA said: “Please avoid NLEX NB (northbound) from Lawang Bato, Valenzuela to Tabang, Bulacan. Heavy traffic may last until July 28, Monday.”

In a post on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Twitter account, motorists are advised to expect heavy traffic on both directions after the INC celebration ended around 9:30 am. (READ: Live Blog: Iglesia ni Cristo 100th anniversary)

Task Force Sentenaryo, headed by MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, said it expects the exit of people from Ciudad de Victoria to last until Monday morning.

Tolentino said the original system for coordinating traffic included allotting only 30 minutes for buses to board passengers. But he said this scheme may not be followed because there were several buses and vehicles that did not make it to the designated parking areas.

A zipper lane from Marilao to Tabang exits of NLEX southbound will remain open to help ease congestion.

As of Saturday night, 1.5 million people were estimated to have been part of the INC celebration, but Police Regional Office-3 director Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta said the number may be higher since some people weren’t able to go inside Cuidad de Victoria last night.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection said 140 people have been given medical assistance. One woman, who went through labor early Sunday, was brought to the Valenzuela Medical Center. – with reports from Bea Cupin/Rappler.com