MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to deploy over 1,100 personnel to support other government forces in ensuring the safe and peaceful conduct of this year’s Traslacion or the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.
In a statement on Monday, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said these personnel will come from the PCG District National Capital Region – Central Luzon and will work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Manila City government.
“We are expecting millions of devotees who will attend the series of activities during Traslacion 2025. The PCG assists in ensuring public safety and security against possible risks, including terrorism, stampedes, fire within nearby areas, and natural disasters, such as an earthquake during the yearly Catholic commemoration,” Gavan said.
He said the deployment began on December30 last year and will end on January 10.
The PCG personnel include K9 teams, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) units, Special Operations Groups (SOGs), Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) teams, and Deployable Response Groups (DRGs) assigned at strategic points in Quirino Grandstand, Jones Bridge, and the vicinity of Quiapo Church.
“Teams of Coast Guard intelligence experts, crowd security personnel, and medical officers are also present to ensure maximum security and safety, especially during the procession,” he said.
In addition, the PCG is also deploying 21 floating assets to conduct maritime security and safety operations in the waters of Pasig River and Manila Bay, plus nine land vehicles to perform roving inspections in Manila.
“We are one with our Catholic brothers and sisters in celebrating the annual Feast of the Jesus Nazareno. The millions of devotees can rest assured that they will have a successful and memorable commemoration through the support of the national government and law enforcement agencies that come together to a common cause – which is to ensure zero-casualty during Traslacion 2025,” he said. (PNA)