The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will deploy thousands of their personnel to secure this year's Traslacion procession during the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, PNP chief, said policemen from Metro Manila and other units will be deployed to key areas, including the procession route, high-density locations, and designated entry and exit points, while specialized units trained in crowd control will be on hand to maintain order and ensure the smooth flow of the procession.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will also deploy its personnel to the Pasig River route of the Traslacion.
Marbil said the PNP Intelligence Group and Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) will closely monitor any potential physical and digital threats.
“Medical teams and quick-response units will be strategically positioned to provide immediate assistance when needed, while the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and local traffic enforcers will manage traffic flow and implement rerouting schemes to minimize disruptions for both devotees and the general public,” said Marbil.
Earlier, the National Capital Region Office said that it will be deploying 12,168 officers to secure the event while another 2,306 personnel from other units will act as augmentation force.
Based on the attendance in previous years, millions of devotees are expected to flock to various areas in Manila for the Traslacion.
Marbil said they have already mapped out extensive security preparations to guarantee a safe, orderly, and meaningful event for all participants.
One of them is the implementation of a gun ban from Jan. 8 to 11 which was already announced by the Manila Police District (MPD).
“Traslacion is a profound expression of faith and devotion. The PNP is fully committed to safeguarding every devotee, dedicating all necessary resources to ensure peace and order during this sacred occasion,” Marbil said.
But Marbil urged the public to follow security protocols, including avoiding bringing prohibited items such as bladed or pointed objects, backpacks, or any items that may pose safety risks.
He said these measures aim to facilitate smooth inspections and ensure the overall safety of participants to the event.
“We call on devotees and the public to cooperate with security protocols, report any suspicious activities, and prioritize safety. Your vigilance and cooperation are vital to the success of this event,” Marbil said.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Through unity and collaboration, we aim to make Traslacion 2025 a secure and spiritually enriching experience for everyone,” he added.
Marbil said regular advisories will be issued to keep the public informed of safety guidelines and updates regarding the event.
AFP, PCG
The AFP Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) will field around 1,000 personnel while the PCG will mobilize its Coast Guard District-NCR equipped with watercraft and rubber boats to assist the 14,000-strong security contingent from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“In coordination with the organizer of the activity, the PCG will provide a medical team in the designated area where we will be tasked to man the post. Our personnel will also be stationed near the Pasig River to ensure quick response if ever there will be an untoward incident. We all know that the thick crowd might cause anybody to fall from the bridge along the procession route,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Algier Ricafrente said in a radio interview over dzBB on Sunday, Jan. 5.
“Our personnel will be on standby onboard small boats and rubber boats to guard all the bridges along the procession route,” he added.
Meanwhile, Colonel Rommel Recinto, deputy commander of AFP’s JTF-NCR, said personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Marine Corps will be tasked to ensure the safety of devotees who will participate in the traditional “Pahalik” at the Quirino Grandstand.
Military personnel will also be conducting patrol in entry and exit points all over Metro Manila to ensure the safety of devotees participating in the Traslacion.
According to the AFP, one battalion of Marines will also be placed on standby for rapid deployment if the need arises.
Final walk-through
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin and Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay conducted a final walk-through of the route of the Traslacion in Quiapo, Manila on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Aberin said since Nazareno devotees will be barefoot for the Traslacion or the traditional procession, the roads should be clear of any obstruction that may cause injury and no overhanging wires that may get caught in the carroza or float of the Jesus Nazareno.
During the walk-through in Quiapo Church or the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, police officers took photos of possible obstructions which they forwarded to the Department of Public Works and Highways and the city government of Manila for action.
Traditional route
According to Quiapo Church officials, the traditional route will be used for this year’s Traslacion:
- Quirino Grandstand
- Left to Katigbak Drive
- Right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road
- Straight to Ayala Bridge
- Turn 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 Gil Puyat
- Left to J.P, de Guzman Street.
- Right to Hidalgo Street
- Left to Quezon Blvd.
- Right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge
- Right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church
As part of the annual celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, Traslacion is the procession of the 400-year-old image of Jesus Christ from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
Devotees flocked to the first Sunday Mass at the Quiapo Church yesterday with some attendees spilling over to Plaza Miranda in front of the church and the sidewalk on Quezon Boulevard.
Millions of devotees are expected to participate in the activities in Quiapo Church this week leading to the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, Jan. 9.