MANILA, Philippines — The road closures in Metro Manila that caused snarling traffic during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping was the call of the police and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Presidential Security Group (PSG) said.
The MMDA previously said the lockdown of some roads at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and the Skyway leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport was the call of the PSG.
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MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago claimed her agency merely provided additional personnel to manage traffic and was just following instructions from the PSG.
But the PSG said it was not the case.
"In connection with the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Presidential Security Group had an array of tasks for its Security Preparations. That includes route security and traffic management, in which case, we have requested asistance from the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the MMDA," PSG spokesperson Cpt. Zeerah Blanche Lucrecia said in a statement.
"As to its implementation and how they accomplish such task, its their (MMDA and police) call and would involve their concept of operations, to ensure that the designated routes are secured," she added.
Lucrecia appealed for understanding for the inconvenience caused by the closures.
"As host to our state guest, we provided the necessary hospitality and security to ensure the smooth flow of movement," she said.
Xi arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday, November 20 for a two-day state visit that sought to deepen the ties between the Philippines and China.