Tight security in Mendiola, roads near Malacañang amid Nov.16 rallies

Heavy security is in place in Mendiola Street and the roads near Malacañang Palace amid the protest rallies being held in Metro Manila on Sunday, November 16.

In her report for GMA Integrated News’ special coverage, Darlene Cay said that despite the absence of protesters in the area, the road leading to the Palace has been blocked by concrete and steel barriers topped with razor wire.

Police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances are also present at the intersection on stand by in case of emergencies. The report said the streets within a three-kilometer distance from Malacañang have been secured by authorities, some with container vans blocking the roads.

A police tent has been set up along Legarda Street with several teams of cops in riot gear that were deployed.

Unlike all forms of vehicles, pedestrians are allowed to pass through the area. 

Despite the heavy security, food establishments and other business remained open.

No notice of rallies or assemblies are scheduled in the area but Mendiola is considered a strategic point because of its proximity to routes leading to Malacañang, the official residence of the President of the Philippines.

According to the Philippine National Police, they have monitored false claims that there are now crowds of people and that violence has erupted in Mendiola on social media. This prompted PNP Chief P/General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to say some online actors are attempting to create tension amid the protest actions. 

He added the PNP is not taking these “online manipulations” lightly since these could spark violent incidents. Nartatez said he believes these efforts by online content creators are being coordinated and that the PNP is monitoring and will respond to these fake news.

Several roads in the district have been closed to vehicular traffic and the public is advised to take alternative routes. Among these are C.M Recto St. from M. Reyes to Mendiola, the stretch of Figueras to San Rafael St., Ayala Bridge, and the eastbound lane of Ayala Boulevard from San Marcelino to Romualdez St.

A team from the Commission on Human Rights accompanied  is also in the area to observe the situation and to ensure no untoward incidents will occur. — RF, GMA Integrated News