After what it described as a safe and peaceful Yuletide celebrations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now focusing on the security measures for the Black Nazarene procession, or Traslacion 2024, on Jan. 9.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said the initial plan is to deploy around 13,700 policemen to secure the key areas and the procession routes of the Black Nazarene in Manila.

“Based on our estimated population, around 2.5 million may attend but this number may change depending on the situation that may develop in the coming days. In line with that, we are intending to deploy 13,691 police officers. We will also be deploying K9 units,” said Acorda.

This early, the official reminded the Black Nazarene devotees of some security measures that would be implemented during the entire procession.

Some of them include using cell phone jammers and prohibition of the carrying of backpacks.

“If possible, they should use transparent backpacks. And if possible, we advise them to refrain from using bull caps and umbrellas and carrying liquid bottles and canisters,” said Acorda.

A series of meetings were already held as early as the third week of December last year wherein security measures were discussed.

For his part, Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said they deployed 483 policemen during the Thanksgiving of the Black Nazarene, which is deemed as the start of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, on Dec. 30.

The activity was attended by more or less 15,000 devotees and the Nartatez said the motorcade and the brief procession of the image of Black Nazarene was peaceful and orderly.

PCG support

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan has directed the Coast Guard District National Capital Region- Central Luzon (CGDNCR-CL) to support the PNP in implementing security measures for the Traslacion.

Gavan said part of their involvement is the deployment of Coast Guard K9 units to conduct paneling at the Quirino Grandstand, Jones Bridge, and within Quiapo Church.

“Aside from augmenting crowd control operatives, PCG personnel will assist security forces in the vicinity waters off Pasig River and Manila Bay (behind Quirino Grandstand) through coastal patrols onboard Coast Guard floating assets,” said Gavan.

“Coast Guard medical teams capable of conducting mass evacuation using Pasig River and Manila Bay will also be on standby for necessary assistance during the procession,” he added.

Road repairs

For its part, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently conducting road maintenance activities along the route of the Black Nazarene Grand Procession.

DPWH National Capital Region Director Loreta M. Malaluan said the DPWH North and South District Engineering Offices (DEOs) were instructed to fix defects and other road hazards, following a joint inspection with the Feast of the Black Nazarene Committee.

“Potholes, as well as tree branches and other road obstructions within road right-of-way are now being cleared by our DEOs to ensure safety of the devotees,” said Malaluan.

The DPWH North Manila DEO will also install temporary railings for Arlegui Bridge to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

Traslacion routes

On the other hand, Malaluan said road barriers from the DPWH will be provided for crowd control and securing the Traslacion route.

The procession starts at Quirino Grandstand, right to Katigbak Drive, right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road, straight to Ayala Bridge, Left to Palanca Street, right to Quezon Boulevard, Right to Arlegui Street, right to Fraternal Street, right to Vergara Street, left to Duque de Alba Street, left to Castillejos Street, left to Farnecio Street, right to Arlegui Street, left to Nepomuceno Street, left to Concepcion Aguila Street, right to Carcer Street, right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen, left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat, left to J.P. de Guzman Street, right to Hidalgo Street, left to Quezon Boulevard, right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge, right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.