Stay out of Traslacion, pols told

MANILA, Philippines — Candidates in the May 2025 midterm elections should not take advantage of the annual Traslacion and should respect religious devotees, according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia yesterday said the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9 should not be politicized.

“This is just one day compared to the 90 days for national candidates and 45 days for local candidates to campaign. Let us give this day to the devotees and not take advantage of it,” Garcia said.

The Comelec, he said, may file disqualification cases against candidates who will insist on engaging in campaign activities during the event.

“This should be taken as a warning. Nothing is preventing us from disqualifying these people. They can just go to the Supreme Court and question us,” he said.

Police deployment

About 14,500 uniformed and civilian personnel will be assigned to the Traslacion, according to Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay.

Of the number, 12,000 police officers will be deployed by the MPD, National Capital Region Police Office, as well as Central Luzon and Calabarzon police.

A gun ban will be enforced by the MPD from Jan. 8 to 11.

While no threats have been monitored, Ibay said they will not let their guard down.

The MPD has asked authorities to cut cell phone and internet signals in areas covered by the Traslacion, he said.

President Marcos has ordered authorities to ensure the safety of devotees, especially as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has declared the annual Traslacion a liturgical feast of national scale that can be celebrated by Filipinos overseas, according to Undersecretary Rogel Gatchalian of the Office of the President.

The OP will be involved in Traslacion preparations for the first time and provide X-ray scanners, Gatchalian said.

Six million attendees are expected by the Manila City government, he noted.

Meanwhile, about 11,000 personnel will be deployed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Eight fire trucks will be sent by the Manila Fire District and other fire districts. — Elizabeth Marcelo, Ghio Ong, Rudy Santos