Long queues spring up at various COVID-19 vaccination sites in Metro Manila

Long lines of people waiting for COVID-19 vaccination sites in Metro Manila to open were observed early Thursday morning, a day before the two-week enhanced community quarantine is imposed in the region.

Super Radyo dzBB reporter Luisito Santos reported that as early as 4 a.m., people were observed scurrying towards a mall in Sta. Cruz in Manila.

WATCH: Ilan sa mga maagang pumila sa SM San Lazaro, hindi umalis at nagbabakasali pa ring mababakunahan kahit pinauuwi ng mga pulis. | via @luisitosantos03 https://t.co/6oGxX35Ww6

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 4, 2021

The vaccination activities were then postponed for the day but a crowd remained at the site.

Personnel from the Manila Police District were on hand to disperse the large crowd that remained in the area probably hope to get vaccinated despite the announcement.

LOOK: Ganito ang sitwasyon ngayong umaga sa iba’t ibang vaccination center sa Las Piñas City.

Ang problema, nasa 4,800 doses lamang ang nakalaan dito ngayong araw para sa mga nais magpaturok ng 1st dose ng bakuna laban sa COVID-19. | via @jhomer_apresto pic.twitter.com/NTnEWQayln

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 4, 2021

Super Radyo dzBB’s Jhomer Apresto observed large crowds at the vaccination sites in Las Piñas City.

There are only 4,800 doses earmarked for individuals who signed up for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In an event in Mandaluyong City later in the day, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Benhur Abalos said he was informed that the crowds were due to the "fake news" that unvaccinated people will not receive cash aid from the government under ECQ.

“Ang sinabi po ba naman na kung wala kang bakuna ay wala kang matatanggap na ayuda. Nag-panic ang mga tao. Nagpuntahan ng umaga sa mga vaccination center. Nagkagulo,” he said.

(They said that if you are not vaccinated, you will not receive cash assistance. The people panicked. They rushed to vaccination centers in the morning.)

He said authorities are already exerting efforts to identify the source of the wrong information. —BAP/KBK, GMA News