PNP asks devotees to behave properly during ‘Traslacion’
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 07 Jan 2019 09:08:15 +0000
POLICEMEN securing this year’s Feast of the Black Nazarene gather for a briefing outside the Quiapo Church in Manila. (Czar Dancel)
The Philippine National Police on Monday appealed to the millions of devotees expected to attend the traditional “Traslacion” or the procession of the revered image of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church in Manila to observe proper behavior and respect the sanctity of the religious activity.
PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, said that by doing so, cases of casualties or injuries may also be prevented.
“The ultimate goal is to prevent, if not minimize, deaths or injuries that have been perennially associated with this annual event. To achieve this, we need the utmost cooperation of everyone, particularly the devotees who will participate in the activities,” Albayalde said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“We enjoin all devotees joining the Traslacion to observe proper behavior and decorum befitting the sanctity of this religious rite,” he added.
According to the PNP chief, he has tasked the National Capital Region Police Office to ensure the strict implementation of its security framework for the safety of the attendees.
Albayalde said the NCRPO, led by Director Guillermo Eleazar, will implement its operation plan effective 8 p.m. Tuesday when a city-wide liquor ban shall be strictly enforced until after the culmination of the Traslacion.
“Unruly persons and those under the influence of drugs and alcohol will be immediately evicted from the activity,” he noted.
Albayalde also suspended the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence of all firearms owners in Manila from 8 a.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10.
Accordingly, only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies who are performing their official duties and wearing agency-related uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms. (Martin A. Sadongdong)