Sto. Niño parade snarls traffic in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Traffic was snarled again in many parts of the city of Manila yesterday after Roxas Boulevard in Rizal Park was closed to traffic without prior notice to the public for a procession of the Sto. Niño.

There were no road signs warning motorists to take a detour as vehicles piled up along the westbound lane of P. Burgos street to make a U-turn. They realized Roxas Boulevard crossing the park was closed only upon reaching the intersection.

A police traffic enforcer at the intersection said the area would be closed until 8 p.m.

The images of the Child Jesus were taken to the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, where the main street, General Luna, was not closed.

The procession surprised motorists who thought it was held the other Sunday, the Feast of the Sto. Niño, when the images were brought to the mass celebrated by Pope Francis in Rizal Park.