Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on Tuesday, Jan. 3, said a liquor ban will be implemented in the city from Saturday, Jan. 7 to Monday, Jan. 9, as well as the suspension of classes on Jan. 9, in line with the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

During a press conference, Lacuna said she will issue an executive order on the liquor ban and another executive order declaring the class suspension in Manila on Jan. 9.

The traditional "Traslacion" procession of the Black Nazarene remained suspended this year due to Covid-19.

A “Walk of Faith” will instead be held after the 12 midnight mass on January 8.

“We are expecting na magiging peaceful po yung Walk of Faith na gaganapin po sa January 8 ng madaling araw,” said Lacuna in an interview with DZMM.

“Wala hong imahe, istandarte, mga kandila na hawak lang po ng mga deboto, may ruta naman po silang susundin, so mas mapayapa po ang magaganap na prusisyon. Normally naman okay, kasi kaya lang may konting kaguluhan dahil nga nilalabas po yung mismong imahe ni Poong Nazareno, pero wala pong ganoon ngayon (There is no image, banners, candles will be held by the devotees, they also have a route to follow, so the procession will be more peaceful. Normally it's okay, there is just a little chaos because the image of Black Nazarene is exposed, but there is nothing like that now),” she said.

Quiapo Church officials, meanwhile, advised the devotees to observe physical distancing, the wearing of face masks, and to use disinfectants.

Among the prohibited items during the activities are medium to life-size Nazareno images, "istandarte" or banners, carriage or "andas," firearms and deadly weapons, pyrotechnic devices, drone cameras, professional cameras and video recorders, selfie sticks, large bags, blankets, hampers, storage boxes, portable appliances, LPG and stoves, tents, tables, and other picnic items, umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, smoking and vaping, laser pointers, large chains, spikes, and other big metal objects, scooters, skateboards, skates, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, heavy meals, plastic and glass bottles, food sticks, pets, black plastics, and jackets.

Around 5,000 personnel are set to be deployed to secure the activities during the feast, Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Millions are expected to participate in the "Walk of Faith" procession.