The Manila Police District (MPD) has declared “no-fly” and “no-sail” zones along the route of the Traslacion in this year’s Feast of Jesus Nazareno.
“Ipaalala lang natin na nag-iimplement na rin po ng no sail zone ang Philippine Coast Guard dyan po sa likuran ng Quirino Grandstand. At meron din po tayong no fly zone so bawal po magpalipad ng mga drones d'yan para na rin po sa kaligtasan ng lahat,” MPD chief Police Brig. Gen. Thomas Ibay told Dobol B TV in an interview. (This is to remind everyone that the Philippine Coast Guard is also implementing a no sail zone policy behind the Quirino Grandstand. And we also have a no-fly zone, so it is forbidden to fly drones there for everyone's safety.)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the no-sail policy took effect on Monday and will be in place until Jan. 10.
Stronger ‘andas’
A stronger “andas” or the carriage of the image of Jesus Nazareno with a sunroof will be featured in this year’s Traslacion, Fr. Robert Arellano, spokesperson the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church said on Monday.
He said the sunroof will allow spectators from buildings to see the image during the procession.
“Nagkaroon tayo ng sunroof made of tempered glass ng para sa gayon, pumasok din ang natural na liwanag sa Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno. At 'yung ating mga kapatid na nasa establishment, pagdaan ng Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno ay makita din nila,” Arellano said. (A sunroof made of tempered glass will allow natural light to shine on Jesus Nazareno and those watching the procession from establishments will also get to see the image as it passes.)
“Mas lalo rin nating pinagtibay 'yung mga stainless metal na nakikita natin sa andas...Nagkaroon din ng pagpapatibay sa gulong,” he added. (We also strengthened the stainless metal in the andas. We also strengthened the wheels.)
The Traslacion on Thursday, Jan. 9, will bring the procession of the image of Jesus Christ, accompanied by a sea of devotees, expected to be in millions, from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in Manila.
Arellano said they are hopeful that this year’s procession will be faster and more orderly.
Last year, the Jesus Nazareno image returned to Quiapo Church from the Quirino Grandstand after 14 hours, 59 minutes, and 10 seconds.
Malacañang has declared Jan. 9 a special non-working day in the City of Manila.
Arellano reminded the devotees to observe the rules set in the conduct of the Traslacion.
A gun ban will be enforced from Jan. 8 to 11, while a liquor ban will be in effect from Jan. 8 to 10 as part of the security measures.
Traslacion 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
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 on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, PNP chief, said policemen from Metro Manila and other units will be deployed in 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 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.