By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
The Manila city government held a send-off ceremony for security forces assigned to secure activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene at Rizal Park's Open-Air Auditorium, in Ermita, Manila on Thursday, Jan. 5.
More than 5,000 personnel from the Manila Police District (MPD), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), city government, and Quezon City Police District (QCPD), will help in the security and preparation for the Black Nazarene feast this year.
"Alam naman siguro ninyong lahat kung gaano katindi o kasidhi ang debosyon ng ating mga Katolikong Pilipino sa Mahal na Poong Itim na Nazareno, at upang maging ganap na maayos ang ilang araw na pagdiriwang na sisimulan bukas ng gabi hanggang lunes ng gabi, ay kakailanganin ang inyong masusing pagalalay at pagbabantay (You probably all know how intense the devotion is of Filipino Catholics to the beloved Black Nazarene, and in order for the celebration to be completely smooth, your support and vigilance will be needed)," Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said.
The mayor, along with MPD officers, also conducted an ocular inspection at the Quirino Grandstand before the send-off ceremony.
Lacuna said various activities have been prepared this year by the church, city government, and leaders of the Black Nazarene devotees.
The image of the Black Nazarene will be displayed at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila from Jan. 7 to 9. A mass will be held every midnight during the three-day celebration.
The "Lakad ng Pananampalatya" (Walk of Faith) procession will be held from Luneta Park to Basilica Minor, Quiapo, Manila starting at 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 8.
However, the annual “Traslacion” remains suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Feast of the Black Nazarene is held every Jan. 9 to celebrate the transfer of the Black Nazarene from its original location in San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1787.
Lacuna called on the members of the MPD to remind and persuade the devotees to follow the minimum health protocol such as the wearing of facemasks, proper handwashing, regular use of hand sanitizer, and social distancing.
Members of the MPD said they will conduct another clearing operation to address the anticipated delays during the Walk of Faith.