How to see Pope amid Manila ‘lockdown’

MANILA, Philippines—The police are putting central Manila under virtual “lockdown” today as the four-day visit of Pope Francis reaches its last two major events—a massive morning gathering for youth and religious leaders on the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) campus and an afternoon Mass expected to draw up to six million people in Rizal Park.

In a media briefing on Saturday, authorities led by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas issued advisories on how the public may reach the two venues while the major roads around them are closed to general traffic.

“We urge the people to continue to cooperate,” Roxas said. “Let’s help one another to make [the remaining events] of the Pope’s visit a success.

As part of the security plan, all the main roads and inner streets from the Apostolic Nunciature to UST will be closed to traffic as early as 6:30 a.m. for the Pope’s engagements in UST, mainly his 9:45 a.m. meeting with religious leaders and the 10:30 a.m. “Encounter with the Youth.”

UST earlier said it would open its gates to the public for these engagements at 4 a.m.

Director Carmelo Valmoria, head of the National Capital Region Police Office, said the lockdown will remain in force until the Pope’s return to the Nunciature Sunday night.

Primary route to UST

The Pope’s convoy is scheduled to leave the Nunciature at 9:30 a.m. for the 15-minute drive to UST. Those who want to see him up close are still allowed to position themselves along the convoy’s primary route, which is as follows:

From the Nunciature on Taft Avenue, the convoy will make a right turn to Quirino Avenue, all the way to Nagtahan and Lacson Avenues.

It will then make a left turn to España Boulevard and enter the UST’s main gate.

The convoy will take the same route after the UST event on its way back to the Nunciature around noon.

Valmoria said all unauthorized vehicles parked along the route would be towed.

For those using private vehicles, the PNP advised them to park only in designated areas. If coming from Quezon City, they should take Quezon Avenue, drop off passengers at Welcome Rotunda and park along Blumentritt Extension.

People coming from the Tondo area are advised to take Quezon Boulevard and leave their vehicles along Alfonso Mendoza Street.

Those coming from Sta. Mesa may take Legarda Street, drop off passengers at the corner of Morayta and España, and park along Recto Avenue.

Those coming from the northern part of Manila may pass through Dimasalang Street and park their vehicles at the corner of Dimasalang and Laong Laan.

Walk to the park

For the 3:30 p.m. Mass at Quirino Grandstand, the Pope’s convoy will travel from the Nunciature on Taft, make a left turn to Quirino Avenue, right to Roxas Boulevard and right to T.M. Kalaw Avenue.

From there, the motorcade will turn left to Maria Orosa Street, then left to P. Burgos Street, left to Roxas Boulevard and right to South Drive all way to Manila Ocean Park near the grandstand.

Valmoria said vehicles coming from southern Metro Manila to Luneta may drop passengers only at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue. From there, they may only walk to reach Rizal Park.

Vehicles from the northern areas of the capital will be allowed to drop off passengers only up to Anda Circle. Those coming from the eastern section will not be allowed beyond the corner of UN Avenue and San Marcelino, and the corner of Ayala and San Marcelino.

Those coming from Quiapo and Recto areas will be barred from crossing Jones, McArthur and Quezon bridges.

Those taking the Light Railway Transit should get off at the UN Avenue station and just walk to Rizal Park.

Valmoria said the entrance gate at Maria Orosa Street for the Mass will be opened to the public as early as 6 a.m. and will be closed at 1:30 p.m.