Around 7.4 million devotees participated in this year’s “Traslacion” in Manila on Thursday, Jan. 9, which ended after 20 hours and 45 minutes but the overall Feast of Jesus Nazareno was deemed “peaceful” and “orderly”, according to an assessment by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
As such, PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil lauded the public for cooperating with authorities as well as the police force tasked to secure the event as he said that the major religious festival “concluded without any major untoward incidents.”
“The successful and peaceful conduct of Traslacion 2025 reflects the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the PNP. They endured long hours and challenging conditions to protect the millions of devotees attending this sacred event. Their service exemplifies their commitment to both God and country,” Marbil said on Friday, Jan. 10.
Traslacion, the procession of the revered image of Jesus Nazareno from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, began at 4:40 a.m. on Jan. 9 and concluded at 1:25 a.m. on Jan. 10, according to the PNP.
Marbil said that minor tensions arose early in the procession when some devotees attempted to breach security barricades, but PNP officers acted swiftly and professionally to defuse the situation, ensuring the event proceeded smoothly.
Citing data from the Philippine Red Cross, the PNP said that there were 1,300 reported minor injuries, most of which were scratches sustained by the devotees during the intense pushing and pulling of the crowd to get hold of the image of Jesus Nazareno as well as some who got dizzy or lost consciousness while in the middle of the procession.
A devotee was also reported injured after being punched by another devotee shortly after the procession began. The PNP, in coordination with other uniformed services and local government units, deployed 14,474 personnel for the event.
Despite this, Marbil commended the coordination between police units, the Manila City government, the Catholic Church, and volunteer organizations for the success of the event.
“The seamless teamwork, strategic planning, and discipline displayed by our personnel were crucial to the success of this event,” he emphasized.
The PNP Chief also recognized the personal sacrifices made by officers, many of whom spent long hours away from their families and pushed through fatigue to ensure the safety of the public.
“Our officers exemplify the true essence of public service. Their sacrifices ensure that millions of devotees can express their faith safely and peacefully. This level of commitment reflects the PNP's dedication to serving and protecting the Filipino people," he added.