MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday that it would deploy units to assist the Philippine National Police in securing the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila on January 9.
“The AFP will deploy contingents to help secure the procession of the Feast of the Black Nazarene as augmentation to other security forces,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
He added that the AFP’s Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) is working closely with other law enforcement agencies to secure the annual “Traslacion” or the grand procession of the black Jesus Christ around Quiapo District.
“Rest assured, we are taking all necessary measures to make the event as secure as possible,” Trinidad said.
“Conferences and coordinations are ongoing with authorities and other stakeholders, so, no definite numbers and disposition can (not) be disclosed by the AFP as of this time,” he added.
Earlier, the National Capital Region Office said that it will be deploying 12,168 officers to secure the event while another 2,306 personnel from other units will act as augmentation force. (PNA)