The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy more than 27,000 policemen in Manila as part of the security measures for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday.
NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao said those who will be deployed include members of the Special Action Force (SAF). The task is to ensure peace and order and observance of the minimum health safety standard protocols amid the threat of the coronavirus.
“The implementation of the minimum health standards is challenging on this especially that there were reports of latest strain of virus which is according to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is stronger than the original one,” said Danao.
In order to ensure compliance, Danao said that police presence is needed and would be deployed in strategic areas in Manila.
The official said he had already inspected the areas including the four churches namely; Sta Cruz Church, San Sebastian Church, Nazarene Catholic School and Quiapo Church where masses will be held.
Aside from SAF troopers, the Manila Police District will also deploy around 7,000 policemen for the yearly religious activity.
Other police districts in Metro Manila are also expected to reinforce the Manila Police District. The NCRPO, on the other hand, will be deploying personnel from the Regional Headquarters and Regional Mobile Force Battalion.
In total, Danao said more than 27,000 policemen would be tapped to secure the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
“Since the health standard protocols have been implemented for almost a year, I solicit the cooperation of the church goers to implement self-imposed discipline like wearing face mask, face shield and observance of social distancing at all times,” said Danao.
Meanwhile, fiesta Masses will be held for devotees who cannot attend the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9.
Quiapo Church Rector Monsignor Hernando Coronel said parishes in the
Archdiocese of Manila will also have their own fiesta Mass on Saturday in honor of the Black Nazarene.
“I appealed earlier to Bishop (Broderick) Pabillo for parish priests to celebrate fiesta Masses in their parishes,” he said Wednesday.
"They'll have one fiesta Mass. The time depends on the parish. They can
attend there.”
He said parishes in other dioceses like Cubao, Pasig, Parañaque, Caloocan and Novaliches will also hold fiesta Masses.
“Even in the provinces, they have novena Masses and fiesta Mass,” Coronel said.
The fiesta Mass at Quiapo Church will be held at 4:30 a.m. led by Archdiocese of Manila Apostolic Administrator Pabillo.
Since only 400 devotees will be accommodated per Mass, those who can’t enter will have to line up on Villalobos St. 30 minutes before the Mass.
There will be 15 Masses on Saturday, to be held hourly until 12 midnight.