TRASLACION ROUTE - Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay led the final walk-through by security personnel of the Traslacion 2025 route on Friday, Dec. 27, in preparation for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9 which draws millions of devotees.
A security contingent from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and force multipliers from the City of Manila local government and barangay units will help secure Traslacion 2025’s procession route from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, 2025.
This was disclosed yesterday after the Manila Police District (MPD) led by its Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay and officials of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene conducted the final walkthrough of the procession route to check for obstructions and hazards in preparation for Traslacion 2025.
The first walkthrough was held on Dec. 4, while the second took place on Friday, Dec. 27, starting from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
The initial walkthrough aimed to assess the proposed procession route while the follow-up focused on addressing any identified changes and ensuring the route's safety for devotees.
Quiapo Church communications coordinator Silgen Frias Cabrito said that participants included members of the Hijos del Nazareno organization, volunteers, government and private sector employees, and police officials.
Ibay said that he would deploy 14,000 police officers to ensure the safety of the devotees, with emergency vehicles on standby for immediate response.
“Lahat ng dadaanan ng Traslacion, lalatagan natin ng kaukulang numero ng security personnel natin. Hindi lang naman ang PNP ang magse-secure dito, kasama natin ang Armed Forces, kasama natin ang Philippine Coast Guard at lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno lalo na ang ating LGU, ay nagsama-sama para magiging successful itong darating na traslacion (All areas along the Traslacion route will be assigned with the appropriate number of security personnel. It's not just the PNP ensuring security; we are joined by the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all government agencies, especially the LGU. Together, we are united to make the upcoming Traslacion successful),” he said.
During the walkthrough, the police ordered the removal of fences and concrete barriers that obstruct the procession path.
The annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, held every January 9, commemorates the transfer of the revered statue to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene. It draws millions of devotees.