The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will deploy personnel to support security operations for the annual Traslación of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2026, the military said Friday.
AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told Manila Standard that the military, through the AFP National Capital Region Command, is prepared to assist in ensuring the safe and orderly observance of one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.
However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will remain the lead agency for security and law enforcement during the event.
The AFP’s role will be the augmentation support, particularly in crowd management assistance, mobility, communications, and rapid response capabilities, in close coordination with the PNP and other government agencies, she explained.
“This support is in line with the AFP’s mandate to assist civil authorities in ensuring peace and order, public safety, and the safe and orderly conduct of this significant religious event,” Padilla said.
Millions of devotees are expected to participate in the Traslación, which traditionally draws massive crowds along the procession route in Manila.
The AFP also urged the public to cooperate with authorities and strictly observe safety protocols to help ensure a peaceful Traslación.
