The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday described the 40th anniversary commemoration of the People Power Revolution as generally peaceful, particularly along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the situation remained manageable despite what authorities referred to as “friction points,” which were immediately addressed by police on the ground.
However, the assessment was issued before a surge of militant groups gathered at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, in front of the EDSA Shrine.
As of past 1 p.m., the latest crowd estimate from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) placed the number of rallyists at around 5,000 in the area. Of the total, about 2,000 were at the People Power Monument, while the rest were gathered near the EDSA Shrine.
The influx of protesters led to the blockage of the Ortigas intersection, causing heavy traffic along the southbound lanes of EDSA, particularly in the Cubao area in Quezon City.
In Mandaluyong, the tail end of vehicles stretched back toward Ortigas and spilled into inner roads near the Greenhills area, including parts of Bonny Serrano Avenue, which is still within Quezon City’s jurisdiction.
Due to the traffic congestion, the MMDA advised motorists to take alternate routes.
For northbound vehicles along EDSA, motorists were directed to turn right at Pioneer Street, proceed to Madison Street, and exit through Shaw Boulevard.
Southbound motorists on EDSA were advised to turn right at Bonny Serrano Avenue toward Ortigas Avenue and pass through the Shaw Boulevard area.
Motorists along Ortigas Avenue heading eastbound were advised to take C5 Road, exit via Temple Drive, and proceed to Katipunan Avenue.
Meanwhile, those traveling westbound were advised to take Shaw Boulevard toward the cities of San Juan and Manila.
In total, 14,900 police personnel have been deployed across Metro Manila to secure the anniversary activities. Authorities estimate that around 10,000 people are expected to gather at the People Power Monument throughout the day, excluding participants from militant groups assembled near the EDSA Shrine.
