PNP tightens security for Nazarene feast

MANILA, Philippines — Four days before the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has put in place heightened security measures to ensure the safety of millions of devotees expected to join the traslacion on Jan. 9.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said police implemented extensive security preparations, including the deployment of specialized units to thwart physical and digital threats.

Marbil said a comprehensive security plan is being carried out in coordination with the Manila government, religious organizations and other government agencies.

The National Capital Region Police Office has said 14,474 officers and security personnel from other agencies would secure the route of the traslacion.

Apart from police officers trained in crowd control, Marbil said they also tapped personnel of the Intelligence Group and Anti-Cybercrime Group to monitor possible physical and digital threats, which might disrupt the religious event.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Through unity and collaboration, we aim to make traslacion a secure and spiritually enriching experience for everyone,” Marbil said.

While no serious threats to the event have been detected, PNP public information officer Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said contingency plans are in place to address any disruptions.

Also included in the PNP contingent are medical and quick-response units to provide immediate assistance to devotees who are injured during the procession.

The Highway Patrol Group will manage the flow of traffic and implement rerouting schemes to ease disruptions for the devotees and the general public.

Fajardo said the Manila Police District inspected the traslacion routes and reported obstructions to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Coordination with agencies such as the Department of Health and Philippine Red Cross is also ongoing to ensure public safety.

Liquor, gun ban

The local government of Manila will impose a liquor ban from Jan. 8 to 10.

 The PNP will implement a gun ban to maintain peace and order.

Marbil reminded the devotees to follow security protocols, and avoid bringing items such as bladed or pointed objects, backpacks and other items that may pose security risks.

He urged the public to report suspicious activities to authorities.

“Your vigilance and cooperation are vital to the success of this event,” Marbil said.

Police will allow devotees to handle the ropes and the carriage of the Black Nazarene. 

“We are asking the devotees not to climb the carriage to avoid injuries,” Fajardo said.

Control points will be set up along the procession route, beginning at the Quirino Grandstand.

Transparent bags and raincoats will be allowed due to expected rain.

Fajardo urged devotees of the Black Nazarene not to bring valuables and large amounts of cash to minimize risks of theft.

The PNP expects that this year’s Black Nazarene feast will draw approximately 6.5 million participants. 

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has coordinated with the Pasig River Ferry Service, which will deploy rubber boats near the Ayala Bridge, one of the areas along the procession route.

The Philippine Coast Guard will deploy personnel and water assets along portions of the Pasig River.

Patrol craft and rubber boats will be on standby at the Pasig River bridges in case anyone would need rescue while the procession is ongoing.  

All set for pahalik

Preparations are all set for the traditional pahalik or the kissing of the image of the wooden Black Nazarene, which will start tomorrow at the Quirino Grandstand.

According to Nazareno 2025 and Quiapo Church spokesman Fr. Robert Arellano, a mass for volunteers will be held today.

The pahalik will be held from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9.

The traslacion route will cover 5.8 kilometers from the Quiapo Church to Quirino Grandstand, passing through three plazas and parks, 18 national and city roads, six bridges and an underpass. — Daphne Galvez