Taking self-portraits using monopod and other “selfie” sticks is not allowed during the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene.
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Friday advised the public to avoid bringing selfie sticks, camera stands or other gadget extension devices which might pose inconvenience and even danger to other people attending the religious event.
“I believe our main role and priority here is to keep peace and order, to ensure the safety of all the people in the procession, and to ensure there will be no obstruction in the procession; and to maintain cleanliness of all the roads where the procession will pass,” he said.
Johnny Yu, officer-in-charge of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said while they do not see any lethal threat from selfie sticks, tripods and other extension tools, it is just practical that people do not be bring these in the midst of crowds especially the Traslacion and other event related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
“If they really want to bring these items, they should use it outside the crowded areas,” he said.
Yu reiterated that people attending the Traslacion and other activities for the Feast of the Black Nazarene must follow the Do’s and Don’ts guideline issued by authorities.
Among the prohibited items are backpacks, bull caps, weapons, and alcoholic drinks.
Eight other government agencies—Metro Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Office of the Civil Defense, Armed Forces, Coast Guard, National Police, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Health, are in close coordination with the city government of Manila to ensure the effective management of the occasion.