MANILA - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) continues to deploy its enforcers to manage crowds and vehicular traffic in rallies in Metro Manila, with the latest being held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and along Katipunan Avenue.

In a Laging Handa briefing on Friday, MMDA Chair Romando Artes said the MMDA is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to manage the rally held at the PICC, the location of the National Board of Canvassers during the official counting of election ballots.

"Mina-manage po natin ang traffic para po hindi po makaabala sa daloy ng traffic ito pong mga pagra-rally na ito. Dina-divert din po natin iyong ibang sasakyang sa mga alternatibong ruta para hindi po sila mabara sa traffic (We manage traffic and the rally to avoid causing inconvenience to motorists. We also divert some vehicles to alternate routes to avoid congestion)," Artes said.

On Friday afternoon, he said a total of 60 traffic personnel will also be deployed along Katipunan Avenue to manage the "thanksgiving" rally led by presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan.

"Wala po tayong pagsasara na gagawin sa Katipunan dahil ito naman po ay nasa loob ng compound ng Ateneo. Ang gagamitin pong parking ay ang parking lots ng Miriam College at ng Ateneo (We won't close Katipunan Avenue because the rally will be held inside the Ateneo compound. The rallyists will be using the parking lots at Miriam College and Ateneo)," Artes said.

MMDA traffic personnel, he said, will focus on preventing a "spillover" of rallyists in Katipunan Avenue to avoid traffic congestion.

He also advised motorists to avoid Katipunan Avenue and take alternate routes to avoid inconvenience.

He also called on rallyists, both those going on foot and those driving to the venue, to follow traffic laws.

"Sundin po natin iyong instructions ng mga enforcers na atin pong itatalaga nang sa gayon ay hindi naman po tayo makaabala sa iba pang mga motorista (Let's follow the instructions of our enforcers so we can avoid inconvenience to other motorists)," Artes said.

On Thursday, the rally organized by the Leni-Kiko camp changed venue from Liwasang Aurora at the Quezon Memorial Circle to Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City.

In a statement, the Leni-Kiko camp said the change happened after the Quezon City local government decided to not grant a permit as the original venue was "not ideal" to hold the political gathering. (PNA)