PNP, MMDA behind EDSA gridlocks

MANILA, Philippines - Closing off a portion of EDSA during the celebration of 29th anniversary of the people power revolution last Wednesday was a joint decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), a police official said yesterday.

Thousands of commuters were caught in traffic jams for several hours as a segment of EDSA’s northbound lane from Shaw Boulevard to Santolan Road was closed.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino blamed the PNP for the mess.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said both the PNP, through the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), and the MMDA coordinated as part of the security preparation for the celebration.

“As to who recommended, approved, it’s a joint decision of the two agencies,” Cerbo said in a briefing.

Cerbo said the celebration started at 10 a.m. with a “unity walk” from Camp Crame to the People Power monument. A wreath-laying ceremony, led by President Aquino, and a mass was held at the EDSA Shrine.

Some critics said the celebration where only government officials were present defeated the purpose and spirit of the celebration, which commemorated the ouster of a dictator through a bloodless revolution.

The PNP spokesman said the closure was to ensure the protection and safety of the participants of the EDSA people power celebration.

“Of course, the measure caused inconvenience but we have advisories on the time of the closure. I must admit that there was heavy traffic because of the security measure and I must say the celebration was successful,” Cerbo said.

He said that “on the positive side,” if the militant groups had been allowed near the area, “the situation could have been worse. The primordial objective is the safety of the majority.”

Cerbo vowed to study the matter and do better next time.