MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it would deploy officers in civilian attire along with 14,000 others to secure the celebration of the Feast of Quiapo and Jesus Nazareno on January 9.
The officers would be at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park starting Tuesday, where the “pahalik” (kissing) of the Nazareno image would be held, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
She said the deployment includes 12,168 police officers for area and route security and 2,306 who would serve as augmentation force.
Control points will be set up along the procession route, beginning at the Quirino Grandstand.
“Our police officers and other security forces would be deployed at the front and end of the procession. We also have mobile police officers who are in motorcycles to help secure the feast. There are also those who would walk only on the side and we have police officers in civilian clothing and would be with the participants of the Traslacion to observe so that if they monitor anything, they can immediately report to the uniformed police officers that are deployed,” she added.
Traslacion (transfer) is the procession participated in by millions around Quiapo, usually lasting more than 20 hours. Devotees accompany the Nazareno from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.
Fajardo said no serious threats to the event have been monitored but contingency plans are in place to address disruptions.
Signal jamming would depend on the prevailing security threat assessment on the day of the feast.
Included in the PNP contingent are medical and quick-response units to provide immediate assistance to devotees who are injured during the procession while the Highway Patrol Group will manage the flow of traffic and implement rerouting schemes.
Fajardo said transparent bags and raincoats would be allowed due to expected rain but urged devotees not to bring valuables and large amounts of cash to minimize risks of theft.
She said the public must follow security protocols and avoid bringing prohibited items such as bladed objects, backpacks or other potentially hazardous items to facilitate smooth inspections.
The PNP expects this year’s Black Nazarene feast to draw some 6.5 million participants.
The feast will kick off with a Fiesta Mass at midnight on January 9, to be followed by the Traslacion. (PNA)