Preparations under way for mammoth 3-day INC rally

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is mapping out plans to ensure smooth transport and traffic management, while the Manila government announced the suspension of classes in all public and private schools in the city as authorities braced for the planned three-day rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) at the Luneta Grandstand at the Rizal Park in Manila starting Nov. 16.

- By AARON RECUENCO and PATRICK GARCIA

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said land transportation agencies under the department are actively working with relevant agencies to minimize traffic disruptions and maintain access for public transport vehicles and emergency responders throughout the event.

“Our goal is to minimize inconvenience to commuters while respecting the group’s right to assemble,” said Lopez.

On the part of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Lopez said the agency will implement temporary route adjustments and deploy additional public utility buses to accommodate commuters affected by road closures and heavy traffic near the monument.