Black Nazarene’s pahalik draws 9,404 devotees

MANILA, Philippines — The first day of the traditional pahalik or kissing of the image of the Black Nazarene drew more than 9,000 devotees at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

In a span of 21 hours, 9,404 people lined up to touch the exposed feet or part of the cross of the Jesus Nazarene, according to the Quiapo Church’s Nazareno Operational Center.

The crowd record was from 7 p.m. on Monday until 4 p.m. yesterday.

To avoid spreading viral infections, devotees should not kiss the feet of the Black Nazarene’s image, Nazareno 2025 spokesman Fr. Robert Arellano said.

“We cannot stop the devotees... They should just touch the image and wipe their handkerchief on it. Do not kiss the image anymore,” Arellano told dzBB.

“Those with handkerchiefs or cloth, make sure that these are clean when you touch the Señor. As much as possible, wash your hands and sanitize,” Arellano added.

The pahalik started late Monday following a mass for traslacion volunteers. It was supposed to begin yesterday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said security measures are in place to ensure the safety of the Nazarene devotees.

A security force of 14,474 personnel – 12,168 police officers and 2,306 from other government agencies – are ready for deployment for the religious event.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil assured the public that police have not monitored any threats that could disrupt the traslacion.

The 2024 traslacion drew 6.5 million devotees. Authorities are projecting a bigger crowd on Thursday.

Marbil led a send-off ceremony for the security forces at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday.

Metro Manila police director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said key areas would be covered by no-fly, no-drone and no-sail zones.

A liquor ban will be imposed within 500 meters of the event venues.

Ambulant vendors are also prohibited near the Quiapo Church.

About 1,300 personnel have been deployed by the Central Luzon police to augment security for the pahalik as well as the entry and exit points in Metro Manila.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a traffic rerouting scheme for the traslacion.

The MMDA advised motorists to plan their trips and follow the