PNP: Roads closed for APEC to open Friday

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said road closures for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit will end on Friday afternoon.

PNP Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said information from the PNP-Highway Patrol Group Head Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao mentioned that all the roads closed will be opened around 3 to 4 p.m. on Friday.

Mayor said the road closures will be lifted on Friday as the delegates and leaders of the APEC are expected to leave the country starting Thursday afternoon.

 “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 during the press briefing.

Mayor did not disclose the time of the departure of the heads of state for security reasons.

The PNP spokesman again sought for the public’s understanding over the traffic congestion caused by the road closures.

"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,” Mayor said.

The MMDA and the HPG are still implementing the stop and go scheme in major roads to ensure the smooth movement of APEC delegates.

HPG head Arnold Gunnacao reminded the public to expect heavy traffic until Friday and advised them to take alternative routes to reach destinations.

“We don't expect any changes in traffic plans until Friday so expect this kind of traffic congestion," he said.

Gunnacao advised the motorists taking major roads along Pasay, Makati and Manila to take C-5 and some secondary roads to get to their end point.