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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila on alert as 3,200 police gear up for Nazarene's Good Friday procession

Manila on alert as 3,200 police gear up for Nazarene's Good Friday procession

Published Apr 2, 2026 10:13 pm
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. goes on-ground, checking security measures inside an LRT train. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. goes on-ground, checking security measures inside an LRT train. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
At least 3,200 police personnel were deployed and sent off at Plaza Miranda on Thursday, April 2, as Manila braces for the influx of devotees for the Good Friday procession of the Jesus Nazarene in Quiapo.
Personnel from the Manila Police District - Sta. Cruz Police Station underwent final briefing, inspection, and security reminders before being deployed to their respective posts.
MPD also led the send-off ceremony to ensure the readiness of forces tasked to secure churches, major roads, and other areas of convergence during one of the busiest religious events of Holy Week.
The heightened security in Manila comes as Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. personally inspected key areas across Metro Manila ahead of the Holy Week rush.
Nartatez visited transport terminals, churches, and major convergence zones to ensure that police assistance desks are operational, personnel are visible, and response teams are in place.
He was joined by senior police officials during the inspection, reinforcing coordination between national leadership and ground units such as the MPD.
Authorities said the deployment aims to maintain peace and order along the 3.8-kilometer procession route, which will pass through key roads including Quezon Boulevard, Arlegui, Legarda, and Hidalgo before returning to Quiapo Church.
Road closures will begin at 7 p.m., on Thursday, with traffic rerouting schemes to be implemented as the procession passes through affected areas.
Motorists are advised to take alternate routes as intermittent closures are expected.
Police assistance desks and emergency response teams have also been positioned to manage crowd control and respond to possible incidents.
Nartatez earlier emphasized the importance of police visibility during major religious events, saying leadership on the ground helps ensure that security plans are not only in place but effectively carried out. 
PNP assured the public that security measures are in place as Manila goes on heightened alert for the annual religious gathering.
No untoward incidents were reported as of posting.

Related Tags

metronews manila JESUS NAZARENE QUIAPO MPD PNP Holy Week
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