Asean security dry run snarls traffic on NLEX

Without notice, police on Sunday stopped traffic on the southbound lane of Angeles gate of the North Luzon Express and the Magalang bridge in Pampanga for a security dry run for the Asean summit in November. Policemen were also deployed along the NLEX route to Manila. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER / TONETTE T. OREJAS

ANGELES CITY — Without warning, policemen stopped traffic on the southbound lane at the Angeles toll gate of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the west and east bound lanes of the Pulung Cacutud Bridge on Sunday morning.

Starting 9:50 a.m., traffic was halted from the Clark Freeport as a security dry run for the summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) in November, according to the Angeles City Traffic Management Division.

Some Asean meetings are scheduled in Clark. Leaders are expected to fly in and depart from the Clark International Airport.

During the dry run, Task Force Asean deployed policemen along the NLEX from Mabalacat City in Pampanga to Balintawak, reports reaching the INQUIRER said.

Vehicles stretched for kilometers past the bridges of Angeles City and the Magalang town sides.

Pedestrians were also barred from walking past the police barricades.

Traffic flow resumed at 10:50 a.m. /cbb