By Priam F. Nepomuceno and Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA, Nov. 19 (PNA) — All roads closed for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will be opened on Friday afternoon, the Philippine National Police disclosed Thursday.
PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor aired this during the APEC Security Task Force press briefing on Thursday held at One Esplanade, Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City,
The road closures will end on Friday in line with the expected departure of delegates to the event starting Thursday afternoon.
He cited information from PNP-Highway Patrol Group head Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao saying the closure of roads will be lifted around 3 to 4 p.m. on Friday.
“As per (advice) director HPG, by 3 to 4 p.m. tomorrow (Friday), closures of road will be lifted…as all economic leaders are already set to leave,” Mayor said in Filipino, without revealing the time of the departure of the heads of state due for security reasons.
Mayor reiterated his appeal for the public’s understanding over the traffic congestion caused by road closures in line with the summit.
“This (Philippines’ hosting of APEC) only came after 20 years. It will take a long time before our country gets to host this event. Once again, we appeal to the public to understand the situation.,” he said in Filipino.
Earlier, Gunnacao reminded motorists to expect monstrous traffic congestion until Friday.
Traffic personnel from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and HPG are strictly implementing the “stop and go” scheme in some major thoroughfares to facilitate the smooth movement of APEC delegates.
He said motorists coming from Cavitex and Coastal Road were affected by the scheme.
He added that there will be no change in traffic plans and urged motorists them to plan their trip and take alternate routes.
”We don’t expect any changes in traffic plans until Friday so expect this kind of traffic congestion,” he said.
Since some major roads along Pasay, Makati and Manila will be closed, Gunnacao advised motorists to take alternate routes such as C-5 and some secondary roads for them to be able to reach their destinations. (PNA)