Heavy traffic observed in Metro Manila, Luzon as MECQ starts

Heavy traffic was observed in different parts of Metro Manila and Luzon on Saturday as these areas marked the first day of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Among those caught in heavy traffic were the motorists along the Marcos Highway in Pasig City where, at 4:30 p.m., vehicles were bumper-to-bumper at the eastbound lane, according to a 24 Weekend report by Mav Gonzales.

Three lanes designated for vehicles going to Cainta were brought to a slow crawl as each vehicle was inspected by authorities.

Meanwhile, motorists going straight to Masinag, Antipolo also braced for slow, heavy traffic, as trucks and private vehicles shared lanes.

Traffic at the westbound lane going to Quezon City was lighter, with only a slight slowdown at a checkpoint going to Marikina. The checkpoint was separated for motorcycles and large vehicles.

A large number of motorists also caused heavy traffic in Cavite, particularly in Daang Hari in Molino 4.

A buildup of vehicles was also seen at the boundary of Imus and Bacoor, according to a 24 Oras Weekend report by John Consulta.

Lawbreakers also resumed their operations as quarantine protocols loosened.

Two high-value targets were arrested by the Provincial Intelligence Unit in Bacoor, Cavite, after they attempted to sell P6.8 million worth of shabu.

The CIDG-NCR also arrested a Nigerian national who offered cheap manual supplies to frontliners but did not show up when money was already deposited into his account.

Doctors of a crime lab in Camp Crame were also duped by the suspect.

"I'm innocent, I only sell Bitcoin," the suspect said. — Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA News