MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Thursday assured the public that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has made the necessary preparations for tomorrow's Feast of the Black Nazarene celebration, mobilizing around 3,500 of its personnel.
Roxas said that the National Capital Region Police Office and the Manila Police District (MPD) have been closely coordinating with each other as early as December to maintain peace and order during the annual event.
"Every year, millions of people from all walks of life participate in the festivities and we have to keep them safe from any harm," Roxas said.
The MPD has organized a task group responsible for the route security for the motorcade and parade, crowd control and management. It has also begun clearing illegal vendors along the route of the procession, particularly along Plaza Miranda, Plaza Lacson and other areas surrounding Quiapo Church.
Anti-crime operations under Oplan Lambat-Sibat are also being conducted to pre-empt and deter criminal activities that might occur during the day of the feast.
"This is the whole of PNP at work. Everyone is contributing to make sure that the both petty and high-profile criminals will not take advantage of the celebration," Roxas said.