PNP deploys 16k personnel as Traslacion 2024 seen to draw more devotees

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 2)— Authorities expect more devotees to flock to this year’s Feast of the Black Nazarene after its grand procession was suspended for three consecutive years due to health protocols brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the lifting of restrictions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said they will be deploying around 16,000 personnel to ensure the safety of the expected millions of devotees.

“We’re hoping to deploy around 16,000 for this activity kasi tinitingnan namin as [we’re looking at it] we go along depending on the situation as we go kung kailangan pa namin magdagdag [if we still need to add],” said PCol. Arnold Ibay, spokesperson of the Manila Police District.

Police said they will be implementing checkpoints around the city. Bags except transparent ones, hats, and hooded jackets will also be prohibited during the procession, the PNP added.

Quiapo Church spokesperson Fr. Hans Magdurulang told reporters that the blessing of Black Nazarene replicas on Wednesday will start with a procession at 1:30 p.m.

The procession will pass by Carriedo Street, Rizal Avenue, Quezon Boulevard, Plaza Miranda, and end with the blessing of replicas in front of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, also known as Quiapo Church.

READ: 15,000 devotees of Black Nazarene join ‘walk of thanksgiving’

READ: PNP bares prohibited items during Traslacion

“Gagawin po sa pagbabasbas po ng estante po, magsisimula po yan sa Carriedo… tapos papunta po yan ng Abenida, then Quezon Boulevard, then papasok po yan sa Plaza Miranda, doon po sa harap ng simbahan pa rin gagawin ang pagbabasbas,” Magdurulang said.

[Translation: We will hold the replica blessing and procession will start at Carriedo, then will pass Avenida, then Quezon Boulevard, then we will go inside Plaza Miranda, then at Quiapo Church where we will conduct the blessing.]

Road closure

Meanwhile, the PNP also said they will be closing major roads leading to Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo Church on Jan. 8 at 9 p.m.

“So we advise na yung mga wala naman pong gagawin na importante, 8 pa lang ng gabi ay iwasan na po nila yung mga daan patungo ng Quirino Grandstand at ng