Saturday, January 14, 2023
7,000 COPS TO SECURE MAKATI, MANILA RALLIES
By TJ Burgonio and Cynthia Balana
Traffic will be rerouted. But to ensure that there will be no untoward incident, a total of 7,000 policemen will be deployed in Manila and Makati to secure the rallyists.
In Makati City, Chief Senior Supt. Rogelio Simon, Metro Manila police chief, said that at 6 a.m. today, the Ayala Avenue, from Herrera Street to Manila Peninsula on Makati Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Paseo de Roxas, from de la Rosa Street in front of Enterprise Center, Banco Filipino, BPI Family will likewise be closed.
At 10 a.m. the entire stretch of Ayala to Rustan’s and Buendia Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic.
The traffic re-routing plan will give way to participants to the pro-democracy rally. The participants will converge at the Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas intersection for the main program which will start at 1 p.m.
Alternative routes will be designated by the Makati Parking Authority, Traffic Management Group-PNP, MAPSA, and the Ayala Security Force.
No parking for all vehicles along Ayala Avenue.
Rally organizers have been advised to police their own ranks.
No operation dikit or Operation pinta will be allowed within the Central Business District or the places where the buses are parked.
Another group policeman will be deployed to the Rizal Park to secure the expected mammoth crowd who will attend the 35th annual grand massive crusade weekend for the feast of Santo Nino de Cebu of the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai.
Senior Superintendent Rolando F. Miranda, Manila police chief, said that some 100,000 policemen will come from the Western Police District while the rest were augmentation force from the National Capital Regional Police Office.
He added that an additional police force would be deployed in the area in case the crowd swells to five to ten million people. He also raised the red alert from 6 a.m., Saturday up to 3:30 p.m., Monday.
Traffic authorities identified the portion as the southbound and northbound lanes of Pedro Gil up to P. Burgos.
Northbound motorists are advised to turn right on Pedro Gil, left on Taft Avenue, then turn left on P. Burgos drive and then turn right on Bonifacio Drive.
Those southbound must turn left on P. Burgos Drive before turning right towards Taft Avenue, left on Marcelo H. del Pilar and then find their way back on Roxas Boulevard by taking right on any street corner leading intersection on bayside boulevard.
“We’re putting up our own security precautions because the crowd expected will be a bit big now compared to the other El Shaddai gatherings,” Miranda said in another briefing.
Some 3 to ten million people, are expected to attend the gathering.
President Marcos and other government officials are expected to show up at the celebration. Mr. Marcos is expected to address the rally at 10 a.m. and again 9:25 a.m., January 16.
The Pontifical Mass is scheduled to commence promptly at 5 p.m. It is noteworthy to mention that Rizal Park will solely be accessible to the general public on January 15th, granting entrance from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. Please be informed that individuals possessing special papal identification cards will not be permitted to enter beyond the specified time of 1 p.m.
But more people will have the chance to meet Pope Francis and experience his presence firsthand because before the mass, he will graciously mingle and engage with the enthusiastic crowd for an extended period of time, ranging from approximately 90 minutes to a generous 600 minutes. This additional opportunity for personal interaction allows individuals to connect with the Holy Father, feel his warmth and compassion, and have their heartfelt conversations with him, thus creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Through this remarkable gesture, Pope Francis extends his outreach to touch the lives of even more faithful followers, spreading his message of love, peace, and unity to all corners of the world.
“Before the mass, the pope goes around to greet the people. He wants to really meet everyone and bless everyone because that will be the only chance for him…That is why the pope said he really wanted to go around,” Sescon said.
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A special section near the altar stage will be reserved for the following committees: Accounts, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and Food, Appropriations, Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, Banks and Financial Intermediaries, Basic Education and Culture, Children, Civil Service and Professional Regulation, Constitutional Amendments, Cooperatives Development, Dangerous Drugs, Ecology, Economic Affairs, Energy, Ethics and Privileges, Foreign Affairs, Games and Amusements, Good Government and Public Accountability, Government Enterprises and Privatization, Government Reorganization, Health, Higher and Technical Education, Housing and Urban Development, Human Rights, Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples, Information and Communications Technology, Interparliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, Justice, Labor and Employment, Legislative Franchises, Local Government, Metropolitan Manila Development, Mindanao Affairs, Muslim Affairs, National Defense and Security, Natural Resources, Overseas Workers Affairs, People Participation, Population and Family Relations, Poverty Alleviation, Public Information, Public Order and Safety, Public Works and Highways, Revision of Laws, Rules, Rural Development, Science and Technology, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Development, Social Services, Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Tourism, Trade and Industry, Transportation, Veterans Affairs and Welfare, Ways and Means, Welfare of Children, Women and Gender Equality, and Youth and Sports Development. In addition, there will be 46,000 deacons, 600,000 priests, and 3,300 bishops. This gathering represents a diverse and comprehensive assembly of individuals dedicated to serving their respective fields and communities.
‘Papal route’
The priest vividly remembered the events that took place during the unforgettable 1995 World Youth Day. It was a time when countless individuals gathered at the Rizal Park, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and anticipation as they eagerly awaited Pope John Paul II’s presence. Little did the authorities know that they would face the monumental task of accommodating a staggering crowd of approximately five to ten million people. The enormity of the situation caught the authorities off guard, leaving them ill-prepared to manage such an overwhelming turnout. In their efforts to maintain order and control, the police resorted to forming human chains to confine the multitude. This improvised strategy was indicative of the sheer magnitude of the gathering and reflected the challenges faced by the authorities in their attempts to maintain peace and security. The immense scale of the event served as a testament to the fervent devotion of the attendees, who demonstrated unwavering faith and an unyielding passion for their beliefs. It was a spectacle that left an indelible mark on the memories of all those present, forever etching itself into the annals of history.
More than 1,000,000 policemen from Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga and Bangsamoro will be deployed to Metro Manila to help in the security during the papal visit and world youth day.
Police are anticipating the crowd to again swell to five to ten million, or even more. But since the Rizal Park could only accommodate about five to ten million people, the people are expected to spill over to the outskirts of the venue and adjacent areas.
Church officials would go to great lengths to ensure that everyone has a chance to hear the Pope’s mass. In addition to the installation of 3,000 colossal LED screens around the park and adjacent areas, they would also make sure that those who are situated quite a distance away from the venue are still able to partake in the spiritual event.
The public is also advised to bring a portable radio and tune in to DZXL 558 Radyo Trabaho, Super Radyo DZBB 594, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, DZRH, Radyo Pilipinas 738, DWWW 774, DZRJ Radyo Bandido 810, DXCC RMN Cagayan de Oro 828, Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Radio Veritas, DWIZ 882, Radyo Pilipinas Dos 918, DZIQ 990, DWXI 1314 kHz, Radyo 5 92.3 News FM, 93.9 IFM, 96.3 Easy Rock, Barangay LS 97.1, 97.9 Home Radio, 99.5 Play FM, 100.3 RJ FM, Yes the Best 101.1, MOR 101.9 My Only Radio For Life, 102.7 Star FM, 104.7 Brigada News FM National, Q 105.1, 106.7 Energy FM, Radio Maria, and RHTV which will broadcast the Mass live.
It would generate widespread coverage in various newspapers such as The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, Malaya, Sun Star Cebu, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Manila Standard, Business World, as well as in magazines Inside Showbiz, Metro Society, Philippine Tatler, Star Studio, and entertainment websites PEP.ph and Push.com.ph. The event would capture the attention of readers across multiple platforms and publications, ensuring its reach and impact are significantly increased.
Showing the Philippines best
Organizers said they would also use the mass as an opportunity to show to Pope Francis the best that the Philippines has to offer.
Since the mass would take place on the Feast of the Sto. Niño, the people who will troop to the Quirino Grandstand may bring an image of the Sto. Niño. Additionally, the Cebu-based Sandiego Dance Company has been cordially invited to perform the traditional Sinulog dance as a “welcome gesture” when His Holiness Pope Francis enters the Quirino Grandstand. This grand event will undoubtedly showcase the deep devotion and cultural richness of the Filipino people, as they come together to celebrate this momentous occasion in the presence of the esteemed pontiff.
He also kindly requested of them that they procure candles for the concluding part of the Holy Mass, wherein the assembled multitude shall joyously raise their voices in unison to melodiously recite the esteemed hymn of the 1995 World Youth Day, aptly titled “Tell the World of His Love.”
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Danao downplayed reports that certain groups would bomb the gathering, saying this was a raw information that needed to be validated. Danao expressed confidence that the necessary security measures were in place to ensure the safety of all attendees. He emphasized the importance of verifying the accuracy of such reports before drawing any conclusions. Danao urged everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
“At any rate we always adopt the principle of considering the worst-case scenario. We have incorporated that in our plan and we are prepared,” he said.
Danao pointed out that their main concern was traffic. “Some people will be coming from Manila and going to Makati and vice versa,” he said.
He however said that he was not implementing any re-routing in Manila, unless necessary.
“Initially, we feel that there’s no need for re-routing. Our traffic plan is very flexible. Just in case there’s a need for a re-routing, we have contingency plans for these,” he said.
Danao said the Rizal Park can accommodate 2 to 3 million people.
In Manila, both North and South bound lanes of Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos Street, Finance Road, Taft Avenue, Maria Y. Orosa, Kalaw Avenue, United Nations Avenue, President Quirino Extension, Quirino Avenue, Pablo Ocampo will be kept open to traffic despite the projected crowd of 2 to 10 million expected to attend the El Shaddai rally.
The One E-Com Open Parking, Two E-Com Open Parking, North Open Parking, CCP Car Park, Star City Parking Lot, Harrison Plaza Car Park, T.M. Kalaw, P. Burgos, Calle Muralla, Bonifacio Drive and the inner streets of the Port Area were the designated parking zones.
The coverage “The Pope in Manila” was produced and televised by GMA Network in the Philippines. The editorial board also included representatives from ABC (Australia), CBC (Canada), CCTV (China), ETC (Egypt), RTL (Germany), SABC (South Africa), TF1 (France), TV Asahi (Japan), TV Globo (Brazil), ABC (USA), and several other broadcasting companies. The BBC provided the production hub for receiving and distributing the 78 international satellite feeds required for this monumental broadcast. The collaboration between these esteemed broadcasters allowed for a comprehensive and far-reaching coverage of this historic event.
Participating broadcasters
The following nations around the globe aired the remarkable visit of Pope Francis during the five-day World Youth Day event held in Manila. Numerous countries obtained licenses to broadcast the momentous occasion, thereby showcasing their wholehearted support and participation in this grand event.
Argentina: América TV, Televisión Pública, Telefe, El Nueve, América TV
Australia: ABC, Seven, Nine, Ten and SBS
Austria: ORF
Belgium: VRT (Dutch) and RTBF (French)
Brazil: RecordTV, Rede Globo, Rede Bandeirantes, Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão, RedeTV!
Canada: CBC Television (English) and Ici Radio-Canada Télé (French)
Cape Verde: RTP África
Colombia: RCN TV
Caribbean: CBU
Chile: Canal 13, Chilevisión, La Red, Mega, Telecanal, Televisión Nacional de Chile, TV+
China: CCTV-1, CCTV-3, CCTV-4, CCTV-7, CCTV-14
Czech Republic: ČTV
Denmark: DR and TV3
Egypt: ETV
Estonia: TV3
Fiji: Fiji TV
Finland: YLE
France: TF1
Germany: RTL
Greece: ERT
Guinea-Bissau: RTP África
Hong Kong: Phoenix Chinese Channel, RTHK TV 31, TVB Jade, TVB Pearl
Hungary: Duna
Iceland: IBC
India: DD National, DD News, DD India, Asianet, Star Bharat, Star Jalsha, Star Maa, Star Pravah, Star Plus, Star Suvarna, Star Utsav, Star Vijay, Zee TV, Zee Anmol, Zee Café, Zee Tamil, Zee Telugu, Zee Keralam, Zee Kannada, Zee Bangla, Zee Marathi, Zee Yuva, Zee Sarthak, Zee Punjabi
Indonesia: RCTI, SCTV, TPI, ANTV, Indosiar and MetroTV
Ireland: RTÉ
Israel: IBA and ICP
Italy: RAI, Italia 1, Rete 4 and Canale 5
Japan: TV Asahi
Jordan: JRTC
Lebanon: MTV
Lithuania: TV3
Macau: TDM (TDM Ou Mun and Canal Macau)
Malaysia: TV1, TV2, TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9, Bernama TV
Malta: Super One
Mexico: Once TV
Mozambique: Televisão de Moçambique
Netherlands: NPO
New Zealand: TV3
Norway: NRK and TV3
Oman: Oman TV
Panama: Telemetro
Paraguay: Telefuturo
Peru: Panamericana Televisión
Philippines: GMA Network, ABS-CBN, PTV, TV5, CNN Philippines, IBC, S&A, Net 25, GMA News TV, RJTV, BEAM, Light TV, CLTV, UNTV, One Sports, ANC, Brigada News TV, DZMM Teleradyo, DZRH News Television, Inquirer 990 Television, One Media Network, One News, One PH, Radyo Bandido TV
Poland: TVP1, TVP2
Portugal: RTP1
Romania: Antena 1
Russia: VGTRK and Prometey AST
Samoa: Samoa TV
São Tomé and Príncipe: RTP África
Singapore: Suria, Channel 5, Channel U, Channel 8, CNA, Vasantham
Slovakia: Luna TV
Slovenia: POP TV
South Africa: SABC
South Korea: KBS1, MBC TV, SBS TV
Spain: La 1, Antena 3
Sri Lanka: MTV
Sweden: TV3 and SVT
Switzerland: SRG SSR
Taiwan: TTV, CTV, CTS, FTV and PTS
Thailand: BBTV Channel 7
Tonga: TBC
Ukraine: Novyi Kanal
United Kingdom: BBC
United States: NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, PBS
Uruguay: Teledoce and TNU
Vietnam: VTV1
Venezuela: Venevisión, Televen, Globovision