More than 12,000 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel will be on duty to ensure the smooth and peaceful Traslacion of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2025.
This announcement was made by Manila Police District (MPD) Director Jhun Ibay during an inspection of the Nazarene procession route in Manila City.
The MPD will receive assistance from additional forces from Police Regional Offices 3 and 4, covering Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
Moreover, the Philippine Coast Guard will be present to guard the bridge along which the procession will pass.
Medical volunteers will be stationed at various locations to provide rescue and first aid services to devotees who may be injured during this annual religious event.
According to Quiapo Church spokesperson Alex Harasga, the Nazarene procession will follow its previous route, starting from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, passing through Ayala Bridge and the courtyards, before finally arriving at Quiapo Church.
During the authorities’ inspection, low-lying electrical and telecommunication cables were checked for potential repairs to prevent them from getting caught on the Nazarene’s stretcher.
Additionally, the stretcher’s wheels were reportedly changed to facilitate easier pulling by devotees.
The church expressed satisfaction with this significant change, noting that no fatalities occurred during the previous Nazarene procession.
