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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila braces for massive Traslacion crowd

Manila braces for massive Traslacion crowd

Published Jan 8, 2026 11:52 am  |  Updated Jan 8, 2026 02:36 pm



With just a day left before the Traslacion of the Jesus Nazarene on Friday, Jan. 9, the city of Manila, together with national agencies, has intensified preparations as millions of devotees are anticipated to take part in one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso earlier signed three Executive Orders as part of the city government’s preparations.

These include the suspension of work in all Manila City government offices and classes at all levels in both public and private schools on Jan. 9, the imposition of a liquor ban within a 500-meter radius of Quiapo Church and along Traslacion routes, and a total ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices from Jan. 8 to 9 across the city.

City authorities warned that fines and other penalties await violators, with police and local enforcers authorized to issue citations and make apprehensions on the spot.

The measures aim to ensure public safety, order, and solemnity during the annual religious event.

Domagoso also led the send-off ceremony of security and safety forces at Quirino Grandstand, assuring the public that personnel from various agencies are fully prepared to secure the Traslacion and respond to emergencies.

Manila Police District (MPD) said it is ready for Traslacion 2026 with 18,000 personnel deployed. 

On the health front, the Department of Health (DOH) has set up 20 emergency response stations along the Traslacion route, including strategic points such as Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Ayala Bridge, and P. Casal.

More than 200 health personnel will be deployed, while DOH-run hospitals have been placed on Code White Alert to address cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration, dizziness, and other medical emergencies.

Domagoso has likewise assured the public of the structural safety of major bridges along the Traslacion route, including Quezon Bridge, Carlos Palanca Bridge, Ayala Bridge, and Arlegui Bridge, all of which were inspected and certified by the Department of Public Works and Highways before the procession.

Meanwhile, Quiapo Church officials said they have prepared multiple sets of ropes as part of crowd control measures.

The buffer distance was reduced from 50 meters to 30 meters on each side, following repeated incidents in previous years when ropes were broken during the procession.
Church authorities appealed to devotees to cooperate, expressing hope that no one would be injured during the event.

At the heart of the procession, the "andas" that will carry the image of Jesus Nazarene have undergone major upgrades this year, including the installation of a four-wheel system, steering wheel, underchassis, and braking mechanism to improve stability and maneuverability through narrow streets and dense crowds.

Church officials clarified that the andas remains manually pushed by devotees, in keeping with tradition.

They added that the glass enclosure surrounding the image was redesigned with ventilation features to prevent moisture buildup, while the cross was shortened to discourage devotees from climbing onto the carriage; measures aimed at addressing safety concerns observed in previous Traslacion events.

Ahead of the procession, thousands of devotees queued overnight to participate in the traditional pahalik at Quirino Grandstand.

Organizers implemented a new queueing system with designated lines for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, although some devotees expressed dismay over the late start of the devotional activity.
Health officials also discouraged individuals with existing medical conditions from participating in the procession due to the physical strain involved.

As anticipation builds for the Traslacion, police, medical teams, and city personnel remain on full alert, vowing to ensure that the centuries-old devotion is observed safely, orderly, and reverently.

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