The Manila Police District (MPD) and officials of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene conducted two separate walkthroughs in preparation for the Traslacion 2025 route.
Manila Police District (MPD) Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay leads the final walk-through for the Nazareno 2025 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Friday. The walk-through was conducted in cooperation with the Manila Police District (MPD), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Manila City Engineering, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), and Hijos Del Nazareno. (Contributed photo)
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.
MPD Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas 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.