With a notably fewer crowd and absence of the traditional “Traslacion,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) assessed that this year’s celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday, Jan. 9, went relatively “peaceful” and “smooth,” save for some devotees who had to be assisted after experiencing minor medical conditions.

PNP chief Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said 5,599 personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) served as the first line of defense that secured hundreds of thousands of devotees who attended the hourly mass held at the Quiapo Church, and the “Misa Mayor” which marked the start of the annual feast as well as viewing and touching of the image of the Black Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand. The Traslacion or the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene, which is often attended by millions of devotees, was again not held for the third straight year due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

“As of 10 a.m. today, the activities relating to the Feast of the Black Nazarene went relatively peaceful and smooth although we have received reports about some devotees who experienced dizziness. They were immediately given medical assistance,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said.

An additional 3,000 force multipliers from quick response and tactical forces, crowd and traffic control units, and police medical teams from the City Government of Manila, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Archdiocese of Manila augmented the NCRPO personnel.

“Other than that, the celebration is smooth. We have no report of any untoward incident at Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand. Even in Cebu and in Region 10 where we received updates, the situation was relatively peaceful. We thank the public for their cooperation,” she added.

According to the Quiapo Church Command Center, the crowd at the Quiapo Church was estimated at 203,250 while around 120,900 individuals were monitored at the Quirino Grandstand as of 12 noon.

This was lower compared to about four million devotees who went to Quiapo Church to participate in the Feast of the Black Nazarene in 2019 feast before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I hope those who attended the activities were observant of the minimum protocols. We also appeal to snatchers, thieves, and others who have ill intentions, spare this religious activity. The Lord might get angry at you,” Azurin said.

To ensure the safety of the devotees, the PNP closed some streets along and surrounding the areas of engagement while airspaces in the affected areas were declared no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft including unmanned aerial vehicles or drones.