Heavy traffic greets motorists at checkpoints on first day of MECQ in NCR, nearby areas

As the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) took effect on Tuesday, motorists at the boundaries of Metro Manila encountered long lines and heavy traffic at checkpoints.

In the morning, a long line of motorcycles at the boundary of Valenzuela City  and Meycauayan, Bulacan along MacArthur Highway was observed, according to a report of Jonathan Andal on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

The motorists were coming from Bulacan going to Metro Manila when the MECQ took effect. Unlike in the past, nobody was stranded at the boundary.

Police personnel inspected vehicles and asked the motorists for proof that they are authorized persons outside residence (APOR).

"Kung kayo ay authorized person outside of residence, ipakita niyo lang 'yung certificate of employment or IATF ID niyo," Bulacan Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Lawrence Cajipe said.

Unlike the first implementation of ECQ, no barangay government officers were deployed at the checkpoint. Motorists passing the checkpoint did not undergo a temperature check.

A woman, who admitted being drunk, was accosted for not wearing a face mask while passing the border going home to Meycauayan,

More vehicles built up at the checkpoint along Mac Arthur Highway around 7 a.m.

In North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), many people rushed to leave Metro Manila to return to provinces hours before the MECQ took effect, according to a report of Darlene Cay on Unang Balita.

Due to the surge of motorists and meticulous inspection at the checkpoint, the traffic became heavy, stretching all the way to Balintawak.

Most of the vehicles were going to Balintawak Market and leaving NLEX. They were stuck in long lines at the Balintawak Toll Plaza.

Long lines of vehicles were also observed at the checkpoints on NLEX Balintawak – Camachile and NLEX Balintawak Northbound.

"Hinabol namin talaga para hindi kami ma-lockdown kasi naranasan namin noong nakaraan noong Marso, biglaan. Kaya lahat ng tao ngayon, traffic nga e, dahil sa pag-uwi,” motorist Joey Pamintuan said.

Police personnel set up checkpoints along Balintawak Southbound, Mindanao Exit Angeles, and San Fernando Northbound. Authorities were asking motorists for ID, travel pass, or work permit.

Fast lane is open for delivery services and ambulances.

Meanwhile, at the South Luzon Expressway, the inspection of required documents for motorists passing the checkpoints also caused heavy traffic, according to Mai Bermudez's report on Unang Balita.

Authorities accosted some motorists who are not considered as APOR, including a group of people in a vehicle carrying a child.

"Pupunta sa kaibigan, tapos, naghatid lang ng kaibigan, something ganun, so pinapabalik natin. Pinagsasabihan natin na hindi sila authorized lumabas under MECQ,” deputy chief of police of Sta. Rosa, Laguna Police Major Reynaldo Vitto said.

With the implementation of MECQ, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx) has suspended its operation on Tuesday. Many commuters going to provinces trooped while buses are still available.

In San Mateo, Rizal, the local government already prepared health protocols even before the implementation of MECQ on Tuesday, according to a report of Bam  Alegre on Unang Balita.

A curfew was imposed earlier on Monday at 8 p.m. A siren will blow to indicate the start of the curfew hours. Authorities will patrol around the area to accost violators.

The local government also imposed a liquor ban with a fine of P500 for first offense; P1,500 for second offense with community service; and P2,500 for third offense with a criminal complaint against violator.

Stiffer penalty will be imposed on businesses that will ignore the ordinance. From the first to third offense, violators will have to pay a P2,500 fine with suspension and revocation of license depending on the number of violations.

Meanwhile, heavy traffic was also observed at the boundary of Quezon City and San Mateo, Rizal at 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

A checkpoint was also set up at the boundary of Pasig City and Rizal along Ortigas Extension.

Meanwhile in San Juan City, the streets were already empty when the MECQ took effect, according to a separate report of Bam Alegre.

At the boundary of Marikina City and Cainta, Rizal along Marcos Highway, police personnel were checking the temperature of motorists aside from inspecting their required documents.

Heavy traffic was also observed at the boundary Ortigas-Pasig and Antipolo, Rizal.

Responding to the calls of the medical frontliner sector, President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila and other high-risk areas back to MECQ for 14 days, effective Tuesday, amid the COVID-19 threat. —KBK, GMA News