MPD: 3,200 cops to be deployed to secure Chinese New Year celebrations

Around 3,200 police personnel will be deployed to secure the celebrations related to the Chinese New Year on Sunday, Manila Police District (MPD) chief Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon said Friday.

Interviewed on GMA News' Unang Balita, Dizon said they are expecting the same volume of people during the pre-pandemic period.

"Naglatag tayo ng 3,200 na police personnel that is on 24 hours basis, the same noong nakaraan. Pre-pandemic preparation po tayo," Dizon said.

(We'll use 3,200 police personnel on a 24-hour basis, the same with the previous celebrations. We are on pre-pandemic level of preparation.)

Dizon reminded spectators to wear their face masks in crowded areas and discouraged them from bringing many valuables.

In an advisory on Thursday, the Manila public information office said the southbound side of Jones Bridge will be closed starting Saturday, January 21, at 7 p.m., while the northbound side will be closed at 10 p.m.

This is to give way to the Chinese New Year Countdown Pyromusical to be viewed on Jones Bridge.

Meanwhile, a portion of Banawe street, from Cuenco street to Quezon Avenue, will also be closed starting January 21, at 9 p.m., to January 22, 9 p.m.

The public is advised to take alternate routes and expect slower traffic due to the number of people who will join the festivities.

From Quezon Avenue, motorists are advised to turn right to Biak na Bato street, turn left to Dapitan street, turn left to Cordillera street, and then back to Quezon Avenue.

They can also turn right to Biak na Bato street, turn left to Maria Clara street, turn left to D. Tuazon street, and then back to Quezon Avenue. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News