13K cops to secure Traslacion: PNP

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. yesterday said more than 13,000 policemen would be deployed to secure this month’s Traslacion, or the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

“For our planning, we intend to deploy 13,691 police officers,” Acorda told a radio interview, adding the policemen will be augmented by K9 dogs.

Acorda said the estimated number of devotees who would attend the activity is about 2.5 million, although the number may still change “depending on the situation and development.”

On whether phone signals would be jammed, Acorda said the PNP would consider this if ground commanders would recommend it.

Acorda said they are going to prohibit the carrying of backpacks.

“We discourage ballcaps and umbrellas,” he added.

Acorda said if people would bring liquid canisters, they should be transparent.

In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said attendees should expect they would be subjected to a security inspection.

“As of now, we have not received any credible (and) serious threat when it comes to Traslacion 2024. But as what our Chief PNP keeps on saying, we are hoping for the best but we are preparing for the worst-case scenario, if ever,” Fajardo said, adding jamming phone signals was among the issues discussed during their preparations.

She said the PNP is waiting for the formal recommendation of ground commanders if there is a need to jam phone signals.

“At the end of the day, it’s not only the PNP that will decide if we are going to deploy signal jammers,” said Fajardo.

On whether drones would be allowed to fly in the Traslacion area, Fajardo said this was also discussed by security planners.

“I’m sure that a few days before January 9, there will be a decision on whether we will be using signal jammers and if we will allow drones (to fly). Normally, we allow (drones) as long as they are registered before the expected major event,” said Fajardo.