BACOLOD City – The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) has deployed almost 75 traffic enforcers along Lacson Street in this city to ensure peace and security during the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) peace rally today.
Jose Antonio Robello, deputy head of BTAO, said heavy traffic is expected along the said street today due to a religious activity at Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Lagoon here.
“Due to the said activity we have deployed more traffic enforcers to manage and regulate traffic flow, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and motorists,” said Robello.
He added that around 70,000 attendees and 3,000 vehicles are expected to attend the peace rally.
“The participants will come not only from Negros Occidental but also from Negros Oriental. So we need to implement full road closure,” Robello said.
He said the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) had earlier approved Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025 for a temporary full road closure of the north and south capitol roads and the portion of Lacson Street from Cottage Road to 15th Street in relation to a one day National Rally for Peace of the INC from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Last year, the same activity was also held but there was no road closure because there were fewer participants .
The BTAO advised motorists particularly public utility vehicles (PUVs) coming from the south to left turn from Cottage Road, right turn to Gatuslao Street and proceed to their destinations.
Those coming from the north, meanwhile, can turn left or right on B.S. Aquino Drive while private vehicles are allowed to use up to 15th Street.
Moreover, Aguinaldo Street will become one-way for northbound vehicles and Gatuslao Street will be the same for southbound vehicles.
“As much as possible avoid these areas, be patient and leave early,” Robello further advised the motorists./PN