With just 22 days remaining until Christmas, eager shoppers thronged Ilaya St. in Divisoria, Tondo, on Sunday (03 Dec 2023) skillfully navigating the crowded streets to get ahead of the impending holiday rush.
The congestion was palpable, rendering both the streets and shopping malls almost impassable as enthusiastic shoppers embarked on a spree. Parking lots quickly reached full capacity mere hours after opening their gates to motorists.
In response to the heightened shopping activity leading up to Christmas Eve, the Manila Police District (MPD) significantly increased its presence to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incidents.
At the MPD Dagupan PCP Station II, personnel were fully equipped and prepared to enforce security measures. This heightened vigilance stemmed from recent events, notably an explosion that occurred at a gymnasium at Mindanao State University during a Catholic Mass service in Marawi City. The tragic incident claimed the lives of three individuals and injured seven.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)