PCG goes on heightened alert for Feast of Black Nazarene
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on a heightened alert for the implementation of stricter security measures for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The heightened alert status for the PCG District National Capital Region-Central Luzon (NCR-CL) will begin from Saturday, Jan. 7, to Monday, Jan. 9, said Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant.
Maritime safety and maritime security operations in Manila Bay and Pasig River will be conducted while underwater inspection in maritime areas covered by Jones Bridge, MacArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Ayala Bridge, and the rear portion of the Quirino Grandstand will also be held.
“We appeal to the public to remain alert at all times. If you notice suspicious person or things, inform the authorities immediately so that we can respond,” Abu said.
The PCG said "hundreds" of Coast Guard security personnel, medical teams, K9 units, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists will be deployed to various critical areas in Manila to respond to any untoward incident "such as terrorism, stampede, fire, or earthquake."
At least 10 Coast Guard floating assets such as fast patrol boats, aluminum boats, rubber boats, rigid hull inflatable boats, and ferry boats will also be mobilized by the PCG District NCR-CL to deter security threats during the occasion. No security threat linked to the feast has been monitored so far by government troops.
“This tradition was stopped for two years due to the pandemic so we are expecting that many devotees will participate in this year’s celebration,” said Commodore Hostillo Arturo Cornelio, commander of PCG District NCR-CL.
“We assure the public that the PCG will be an active partner in ensuring the safety of the devotees attending the overnight vigil from the Quirino Grandstand which will be followed by the Walk of Faith to Quiapo Church,” Cornelio said.
Around one to five million devotees are expected to join this year’s feast which will be marked by the first-ever “Walk of Faith” on Jan. 8 that replaced the traditional “Traslacion” or the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the Feast Day on Jan. 9 will kick off with a series of Mass beginning at 12 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Meanwhile, the PCG will issue a “Notice to Mariner” to inform sailors and crew members that the inspection of sea vessels will be stricter from Jan. 7 to 9 as part of security measures for the occasion.
“We pray for the safe and orderly conduct and gathering of Catholic faithful for this very important tradition,” Abu said.