LOOK: Pilgrims start long trek to Antipolo City for Alay Lakad

PHOTO by Gabriel Pabico Lalu/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Pilgrims started the long trek to Antipolo City in Rizal province on Maundy Thursday for Alay Lakad, a Holy Week tradition.

Hundreds of people started walking along the stretch of Sumulong Highway and Ortigas Avenue in Antipolo City in the afternoon to join the procession, which starts from the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and end at the Antipolo Cathedral.

Some devotees were seen stopping by the Stations of the Cross set up on roadsides. Volunteer groups were giving away free food and water. Shops and makeshift stores will be open for the rest of the night.

PHOTO by Gabriel Pabico Lalu

PHOTO by Gabriel Pabico Lalu/INQUIRER.net

PHOTO by Gabriel Pabico Lalu/INQUIRER.net

Officials from Barangay Mambugan assured pilgrims that they are monitoring the situation in the area to avoid any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, the Antipolo City-bound lane of the Ortigas Avenue Extension has been closed to motorists to accommodate the influx of people in the area.

Both lanes of the Sumulong Highway, however, are still open to traffic, although barangay officials said vehicles may be required to stay on the Manila-bound side later. /ee