Manila Announces September 21 Road Closures and Rerouting for Martial Law Anniversary Protests
Last Updated on September 21, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
The Manila Police District (MPD) closed several roads in Manila today, September 21, 2026, as groups hold rallies marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. The traffic plan covers areas near Mendiola, Liwasang Bonifacio, and Ayala Bridge.
The MPD started the road closures and rerouting plan at 12:01 a.m. Monday. Motorists and commuters should expect delays in affected parts of the city as rallies continue throughout the day.
By Monday morning, police officers had already set up barriers near Mendiola. Authorities also blocked the Legarda intersection leading toward the Mendiola Peace Arch. Police placed concrete barriers and container vans around the area as part of security measures.
Roads Closed in Manila on September 21
The MPD identified several roads affected by the traffic plan.
Around Mendiola, motorists cannot pass through:
- C.M. Recto Avenue from N. Reyes Street to Mendiola
- Legarda Street from Figueras Street to San Rafael Street
Near Liwasang Bonifacio, authorities closed Magallanes Drive from Jones Bridge to MacArthur Bridge.
Traffic restrictions also cover Ayala Bridge. Authorities closed the bridge and the eastbound lane of Ayala Boulevard from San Marcelino Street to Romualdez Street.
The MPD may reopen roads once traffic and security conditions allow normal travel.
Alternative Routes for Motorists
The MPD advised motorists to use other streets while the closures remain in place.
Those coming from Quezon Boulevard or C.M. Recto Avenue toward Mendiola can turn left at N. Reyes Street.
From Sta. Mesa, motorists using Legarda Street toward C.M. Recto Avenue can turn right at Figueras Street before continuing through Earnshaw Street.
People traveling from P. Casal Street toward Mendiola can take San Rafael Street, continue to Bilibid Viejo Street, then head toward Quezon Boulevard.
Near Liwasang Bonifacio, motorists traveling north on P. Burgos Avenue should continue toward Jones Bridge instead of entering Magallanes Drive.
Vehicles coming from MacArthur Bridge can continue along the southbound side of P. Burgos Avenue.
The MPD also listed several options near Ayala Bridge. From Romualdez Street, motorists can turn left at Ayala Boulevard and then right at Taft Avenue.
Another route uses N. Lopez Street, A. Villegas Street, and C. Muñoz Street.
People coming from San Marcelino Street can use Ayala Boulevard before turning toward Taft Avenue. They can also continue along San Marcelino Street and turn left at United Nations Avenue.
From the eastbound side of Ayala Boulevard, motorists can turn right at San Marcelino Street. Those coming from C. Palanca Street can take P. Casal Street, while motorists from P. Casal can use C. Palanca Street.
Several Rallies Take Place on September 21
Groups planned several public activities in Metro Manila for the Martial Law anniversary.
Organizers scheduled the “Bahain ng Protesta” gathering at Liwasang Bonifacio for 3 p.m. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan also planned a march toward Mendiola at around 4:30 p.m.
Another group scheduled a candle-lighting activity at Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City at 5 p.m.
Liwasang Bonifacio serves as one of Manila’s designated freedom parks. Under rules governing these areas, groups may hold public assemblies there without securing the permit normally required for rallies in other public places.
Police monitored several demonstrations during the morning. At around 11 a.m., the Philippine National Police reported about 350 participants across three rallies.
That figure only covered the morning period. Attendance may change as more activities take place later in the day.
Police Deploy Thousands of Personnel
The Philippine National Police prepared more than 17,000 officers nationwide for activities related to September 21. Authorities assigned more than 15,000 personnel to Metro Manila ahead of the demonstrations.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police would focus on public safety while allowing peaceful assemblies.
“Our mandate is to ensure peace and order and everyone’s safety,” Nartatez said.
The PNP instructed officers to observe maximum tolerance during demonstrations. Authorities also required officers involved in operations connected with the rallies to use body-worn cameras.
Before the demonstrations, the PNP said it had not received information about a specific security threat linked to the activities.
Manila Suspends Face-to-Face Classes
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso suspended face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools for September 21.
The city cited large gatherings, expected traffic, road closures, and security concerns. Schools may instead conduct lessons through approved alternative learning methods.
“This suspension is issued to ensure the safety and welfare of students,” Domagoso said in the city announcement.
The order covers in-person classes for September 21 and does not stop schools from conducting classes through other approved methods.
What Manila Commuters Should Know
Commuters should give themselves more travel time today, mainly when passing through Recto, Legarda, Mendiola, Lawton, Liwasang Bonifacio, and the streets near Ayala Bridge.
Road closures may also affect some public transport routes. On Monday morning, some commuters near Recto had to find other routes after traffic restrictions affected jeepneys traveling toward Divisoria. Some passengers used the LRT instead.
Conditions may change as groups arrive at or leave rally sites. Traffic officers can also adjust routes based on crowd size and road conditions.
Before heading into central Manila, commuters can check the latest notices from the Manila Police District and other local authorities.
For drivers already in the affected areas, following traffic officers and road signs may help avoid closed streets. Those who do not need to pass through rally areas may find it easier to use another route.
Authorities have linked the announced traffic changes specifically to the September 21 activities. The MPD can reopen affected roads after demonstrations end and traffic conditions return to normal.
