Traslacion 2024: PNP eyes cell phone signal jammers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is not discounting the possibility of using cell phone signal jammers during the traslacion for the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on Jan. 9, the PNP’s top official said yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said cutting cell phone signals is among the security options being considered to protect millions of devotees who are expected to join the annual procession of the Black Nazarene after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.

“Kasama sa practice ‘yan, but I will leave that to the police commanders on the ground and most likely, kapag ‘yan ang nirekomenda nila, gagawin natin,” Acorda said in a radio interview.

The PNP earlier said no security threat has been monitored related to the traslacion – the procession of the wooden image of the Black Nazarene along the streets of Manila.

Acorda said 13,691 police personnel would secure the traslacion, which they expect will draw around 2.5 million Catholic devotees.

He urged the public to follow the security protocols imposed by the organizers of the Feast of the Black Nazarene and government authorities for everyone’s safety.

Among these is the prohibition on carrying backpacks, umbrellas and canister bottles during the procession.

Wearing bull caps is also prohibited, police said.

“These are the things we want the people attending the procession to know para hindi na magkakasitahan (so accosting won’t be done),” Acorda said.