7,000 policemen to guard ‘Traslacion’
Credit to Author: ROY NARRA| Date: Fri, 04 Jan 2019 16:54:05 +0000
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday said there were no looming security threats for the “Traslacion” and that it would deploy 7,200 police personnel to ensure peace and security during the annual religious activity on January 9.
NCRPO Director Guillermo Eleazar said in a TV interview that they were coordinating with various intelligence communities and agencies to prepare for the Traslacion.
“We haven’t received any [information on possible security threats] but we are still continuously coordinating with other agencies and the intelligence community every year. As for now, everything is in order,” Eleazar said.
Eleazar urged devotees of the Black Nazarene who will join the procession next week to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons.
Manila Police District (MPD) Director Senior Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. said areas where the procession will pass would be declared “no fly, no sail zones.” Just like last year, telecommunications signal in these zones would be cut to ensure security.
The MPD also urged devotees not to bring backpacks because they would be searched.
The 7,200 police personnel would be deployed in roads where the Black Nazarene will pass, from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
Medical teams would also be deployed, Eleazar said.
Personnel from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will also help assist the devotees.
“This is a sacred activity. We want to reflect and not to be the cause of problems to other devotees. Don’t bring children too because this is not leisure time. Last time, it took 22 hours from Quirino Grandstand going to Quiapo,” Eleazar said.
Msgr. Hernando Coronel, rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, said all is set for the traslacion.
He said firecrackers and liquor would be banned.
Coronel said replicas of the statue of the Black Nazarene would be blessed on Monday while the “Pahalik” or the kissing of the revered statue would be held on Tuesday.
“Pahalik” or the tradition of kissing the feet of the blackened image of Jesus Christ, will start at 8 a.m. on January 8, Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of the Quiapo Church, said.
Classes, work suspended
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered the suspension of classes in all levels and work in some city government offices on January 9.
The city government also requested law enforcers to implement a zero-vendor policy for a peaceful celebration, he said.
This year’s route is the same as last year’s. The expected five million devotees will walk 6.1 kilometers from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.
WITH FRANCIS EARL CUETO
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