Box left on EDSA causes traffic jams

MANILA, Philippines — A box left on the center island of the EDSA-Shaw Boulevard underpass in Mandaluyong City snarled traffic in the area yesterday after police closed two lanes of the road as a precautionary measure.

The crate-sized box was found by enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority at around 10 a.m., according to MMDA traffic chief Bong Nebrija.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said they closed the inner northbound and southbound lanes of the EDSA-Shaw underpass to look into the contents of the box. 

The road closure caused traffic jams along EDSA in Mandaluyong up to Cubao in Quezon City.

MMDA spokersperson Celine Pialago said the positioning of the box was unusual, prompting authorities to cordon off the area.

The MMDA sought police help to ensure that the box did not contain explosives.

Upon inspection, the box was found to contain styrofoam, Pialago said.

The lanes were reopened to motorists at about 12:30 p.m.

Police said they would track down the person who abandoned the box. – Romina Cabrera