Over 14,000 cops to secure traslacion

MANILA, Philippines —  Over 14,000 police officers and other security personnel will secure the annual traslacion during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9.

Since the traslacion or the procession of the Black Nazarene is expected to generate millions of Catholic devotees, National Capital Region Police Office director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the NCRPO would deploy 14,474 personnel for the event.

Aberin said the security contingent consists of 12,168 police officers and 2,306 personnel from partner agencies.

Similar to the measures imposed during the Yuletide season, Aberin said police would conduct aggressive anti-crime operations to remove the opportunity of criminals to commit their illegal acts.

“This strategy, with minor modifications, will be adopted as the NCRPO will secure the Feast of the Black Nazarene next week,” he said.

The traslacion starts at the Quirino Grandstand and will end with the return of the 400-year-old black image of Jesus to Quiapo Church.

The traditional pahalik or kissing of the Nazarene image is scheduled from Jan. 7 to 9. The overnight vigil and program will be held on Jan. 8 until the feast day.

Aberin said the police would remain steadfast in their mission to ensure the safety of the Nazarene devotees.

The Quiapo Church management estimated that 100,000 people joined the blessing of the replicas of the Black Nazarene yesterday. –  Evelyn Macairan