Around 45,000 people from different parts of the country joined the "Lakbayaw" festival in Tondo, Manila, in celebration of the Feast Day of Sto. Niño.
The traditional "Lakbayaw" is a unique Filipino celebration, with its name derived from two words: lakbay (travel) and sayaw (dance). The event is known for its lively procession, which is accompanied by colorful costumes, music, and dance, showcasing both devotion and cultural pride.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), thousands of people flocked to Sto. Niño de Tondo Church as early as 4 a.m. on Jan. 18, to attend the mass presided by Rev. Msgr. Geronimo F. Reyes.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto also attended the early mass celebration.
Authorities reported a peaceful procession with crowd estimated at 45,000 as of noon.
The MPD and other units, totaling 486 personnel, are working together to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow throughout the event.
MPD said its personnel were deployed along procession route and in different parts of Tondo to monitor the festival celebration.
As of the latest updates, authorities have reported no untoward incidents, and the procession is continuing peacefully.