Around 15,000 police officers were deployed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to secure millions of Catholic faithful who will attend the procession of the revered image of the Black Nazarene or "Traslacion" on Jan. 9.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that the force was sent on the ground as early as three weeks ago as some of the Traslacion-related activities already started on Dec. 30.

"Maliban doon sa 15,000 mahigit na PNP personnel ay mayroon pa tayong reserve na standby force. Kung kinakailangang magdagdag tayo ng additional pong PNP personnel ay may ready tayo na personnel for that (Asode from the more than 15,000 PNP personnel, we also hava a standby reserve force. If there is a need to augment the PNP personnel, we are ready for that)," Fajardo said in a public briefing on Friday, Jan. 5.

An estimated two million devotees are expected to participate in the hours-long procession of the Black Nazarene, which usually starts at the Quirino Grandstand, until it is transported back to Quiapo Church in Manila.

The PNP reminded attendees that bladed weapons, firearms, and illegal drugs are not allowed to be brought during the Traslacion. They are also discouraged to bring backpacks (except for transparent ones), hoodies, bull caps, water bottles, canisters, and umbrellas.

"No fly zone" and "no sail zone" policies will also be implemented from Jan. 7 to 10 within the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand where the procession will begin. 

Signal jamming is also being considered by the PNP, Fajardo noted.

No threat monitored

So far, the PNP has not monitored any threat to security with regard to the conduct of the Traslacion.

However, Fajardo said a 42-year-old man was arrested inside the Quiapo Church around 5:30 a.m. on Friday after he allegedly made a bomb joke during the first Friday mass.

The suspect will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1727 which penalizes the malicious dissemination of bomb threats.