Marilyn Cahatol

The Metro Manila Development Authority conducts a clearing operation near the San Sebastion Church Tuesday, Jan. 6. Screengrab from video by Jessie Cruzat, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767700150498image (7)_cropped_processed_by_imagy.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="The Metro Manila Development Authority conducts a clearing operation near the San Sebastion Church Tuesday, Jan. 6. Screengrab from video by Jessie Cruzat, ABS-CBN News "/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Metro Manila Development Authority conducts a clearing operation near the San Sebastion Church Tuesday, Jan. 6. <em>Screengrab from video by Jessie Cruzat, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Millions of devotees fill the streets of Manila, particularly in parts of Quiapo, during the Feast of Jesus Nazareno every year.</p><p>On Tuesday morning, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with the Land Transportation Office, the Manila local government unit, and other government agencies, conducted clearing operations along the routes that the andas or carriage will pass through during the Traslacion.</p><p>Gabriel Go, head of the MMDA Special Operations Group–Strike Force, said crowding during the Traslacion also puts unattended vehicles at risk.</p><p>“Alam naman natin dumadagsa ang tao, pag naiwan po ang kanilang sasakyan, naiwan ang kanilang mga motor, there’s a big chance na ma-damage po ito,” Go said.</p><p>“Kailangan na rin po talagang i-enforce ang batas sa ating mga lansangan. Unang-una, roads are not getting any bigger, it’s not getting any wider. Cars are getting more and more. Talagang kailangan na po nating mas madiin na batas,” he added.</p><p>Upon reaching Carlos Palanca Street, authorities encountered &quot;toktok&quot; and e-trikes illegally parked along the roadside.</p><p>“Naghatid lang po ako ng pasyente kagabi kaya di ko na naipasok doon… Pinapasada, panghanapbuhay po. Okay lang po. Aminado po ako na bawal dito,” a toktok driver said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/5/-all-systems-go-preparations-in-full-swing-for-nazareno-2026-2219">‘All systems go’: Preparations in full swing for Nazareno 2026</a></div><p>Authorities said no excuses were accepted during the clearing operation, particularly for vehicles and stalls occupying sidewalks.</p><p>The owner of one of the stalls was later identified as an executive officer of the barangay.</p><p>“Ganito na lang gawin natin kasi sir para malaman mo ang totoo, nilagay ako ni chairman dito, kasi may mga nangyayaring krimen dito tsaka may nag-aabutan ng droga dito… Ako na lang po mag-aalis, promise ko sa’yo sir,” Samad Tara, Ex-O of Barangay 647, told Go.</p><p>“Bukas pagbalik ko, wala na ‘to… Usapang maayos yan ha,” Go replied.</p><p>Other motorists also pleaded, claiming they were unaware that parking along the roadside was prohibited.</p><p>Authorities issued tickets to motorists who were not wearing proper helmets or were wearing slippers.</p><p>On Arlegui Street, all obstructions to pedestrian passage were removed, including tables and chairs, plants, tents, and vendors’ stands.</p><p>Vehicles parked near Plaza del Carmen beside San Sebastian Church were also towed.</p><p>“Pina-check up ko ‘yong aso ko…Sabi ko sa mga tao, pwede ba mag-park dito? Pwede daw tsaka may mga naka-park e. Gano’n talaga. Pasensya. Kasalanan ko din… Tutubusin ko na lang,” vehicle owner Michael Concepcion said.</p><p>Go explained that several vehicles were parked illegally.</p><p>“Ang naging problema po rito, may mga sasakyan na inabutan po natin na wala naman pong parking ticket. So ibig sabihin po niyan, pumarada po sila illegally… Last day na po ng parking dito, starting tomorrow temporarily suspended po ang any parking,” he said.</p><p>In total, 26 vehicles were towed while more than 60 motorists were issued tickets.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/6/mpd-ready-for-any-contingency-as-millions-set-to-join-traslacion-2026-1452">&#x27;Walang puwang na magkamali&#x27;: MPD says &#x27;ready&#x27; for any contingency as millions to join Traslacion 2026</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a-5I3edKhMQ?si=0dy1YuFF2cHtSmGz" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Millions of devotees fill the streets of Manila, particularly in parts of Quiapo, during the Feast of Jesus Nazareno every year.</p>

Millions of devotees fill the streets of Manila, particularly in parts of Quiapo, during the Feast of Jesus Nazareno every year.

MMDA conducts clearing operations along Traslacion routes

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MMDA conducts clearing operations along Traslacion routes

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 06, 2026 08:41 PM PHT

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preparations

Nazareno 2026

clearing operation

Traslacion

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