1K cops to secure Manila Cathedral for Cory wake

An estimated 1,000 policemen will be deployed around the Manila Cathedral area for the wake and funeral procession for the late former President Corazon Aquino, who died Saturday morning. Radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported that the Manila traffic police office has released a traffic-re-routing plan. Manila police said the security arrangements would also include the safety of Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta, who is arriving to pay his last respects to Mrs. Aquino. Ramos-Horta, who had lauded the 1986 EDSA people power uprising for inspiring Filipinos to struggle for peaceful change, is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Tuesday, the dzBB report said. Acting Manila Police District head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay said police personnel would also secure the buildings around the Manila Cathedral, including the Palacio del Gobernador where the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office is located. The area around Plaza Roma where the Manila Cathedral is located would also be designated a no-parking area from Sunday evening until Wednesday. Magtibay said police were to clear the area of parked vehicles Sunday night. Initially designated as parking areas would be the front of the Quirino Grandstand, particularly for buses from various sectors. Motorists can also park at the area in Intramuros near the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office. Also to be closed to traffic from Monday to Wednesday are: * Stretch of Soriano St., from Arzobispo to Solana Street; * Magallanes from A. Soriano to Sta. Potenciana Street; * Cabildo from A. Soriano to Sta. Potenciana Street; * Gen. Luna St., from A. Soriano to Sta. Potenciana Street; * Sto. Tomas, from Gen. Luna Ave. to Magallanes; * Beaterio, from Gen. Luna to Magallanes; * Anda St., from Gen. Luna to Magallanes; * Real St., from Gen. Luna to Magallanes; and * A. Soriano from Gen. Luna to Cabildo Street. All passenger jeepney routes from three bridges using A. Soriano Street will be rerouted to P. Burgos Street, turn right on Bonifacio Drive, and use Anda Circle in returning to their point of origin. Vehicles using A. Soriano Street will take Taft Avenue or Bonifacio Drive going to their destination. Vehicles from Magallanes Drive will make a U-turn at Plaza España or take Plaza Solana. Meanwhile, the Southern Police District is also preparing its traffic and security plans for the funeral procession from Manila Cathedral to the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Radio dzBB’s Nimfa Ravelo reported that Parañaque police chief Senior Superintendent Alfredo Valdez said they expect to finalize the rerouting and security plans soonest. Valdez said they are now coordinating with other agencies including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. - GMANews.TV