Roads in Quiapo closed to big vehicles for Nazarene procession

Key roads in Manila's Quiapo district were closed to buses, trucks and large vehicles Friday afternoon for the procession of replicas of the Black Nazarene. A report by radio dzBB's Roland Bola said city traffic aides closed off Quezon Boulevard near Quiapo Church to large vehicles to make way for the activity. Passenger jeeps and cars were allowed to cross Quezon Boulevard but buses were diverted to nearby roads including Morayta Street, the report said. The devotees were to join a procession of replica images of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo at 2 p.m. Traffic had been heavy at the area around Quiapo Church since early Friday, as devotees flocked to the area to attend early Masses.

On Thursday, Manila Police District head Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla said around six million Catholic devotees are expected to join the celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene on Sunday. According to the MPD Traffic Enforcement Unit (MTEU), among the areas where there will be heavy traffic are:

the stretch of Roxas Blvd./Bonifacio Drive from Anda Circle to TM Kalaw north and southbound lane

southbound of Quezon Blvd. from C.M. Recto to Palanca (subway-Isetan Recto)

stretch of Lerma from P. Campa to Quezon Blvd.

westbound lane of Taft Ave./Finance

westbound lane of Lagusnilad/P. Burgos

Freedom Triangle-northbound lane of P. Burgos/Taft Ave.

Villegas/N.A. Lopez

southbound of 25th St./Bonifacio Drive. — RSJ, GMANews.TV