Police forces are now adjusting the security measures for the strict enforcement of liquor ban in the City of Manila and gun ban in Metro Manila for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9.

Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said ground personnel will also implement the ban on the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials based on the executive order issued by Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno.

“We have been coordinating with the City Government of Manila to achieve a specific goal, which is to ensure that this religious activity will be peaceful and orderly similar to what the PNP did over the years,” said Nartatez.

“We’ve been doing this for years but we don’t want to lower our guard. Every year has a new security challenge and every year, we have been improving our security operations,” he added.

During his speech at the Monday flag-raising ceremony, Nartatez assured that the PNP’s efforts will remain continuous and proactive in securing the event.

“This event gathers millions of devotees. It presents a complex security environment that requires careful planning and full coordination. Let me be clear. There will be no letup in our security preparations,” said Nartatez.

“We will remain alert and ready to protect lives. We will respect faith and ensure the orderly conduct of this significant occasion,” he added.

The National Capital Region Police Office earlier recommended the suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) from Jan. 8 to 10 as part of the security measures.

Around 18,000 policemen will be deployed to secure the Traslacion and among those that are expected to be implemented is jamming of communication signals and implementing a no-fly zone along the procession route.

The same level of security preparations will be done to secure the Sinulog Festival in Cebu next week, according to Nartatez.

He said he already ordered police forces in Cebu and nearby areas to implement a strategic and well-coordinated deployment of personnel for the religious activity for the Feast of Señor Santo Niño that will fall on January 18.

The Feast Day will be highlighted by a grand parade, which will begin with a Holy Mass to be presided over by Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma.

Nartatez said police units in Cebu to closely coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies to maintain order and ensure the smooth conduct of all Sinulog activities.

“While our police forces in Metro Manila are busy implementing security measures for the Feast Black Nazarene, we are also making sure that the same level of peace and order measures would be in place in Cebu for this another important religious activity,” said Nartatez.

“The security measures are in place but just like in any major events, real-time security adjustments will be made by our ground commanders. All of these are intended to make sure that our kababayan in Cebu will have a peaceful and meaningful celebration,” he added.