Authorities have begun clearing operations and road repairs for the Traslacion 2024 route to prevent devotees from getting injured.
According to a “24 Oras” report by Oscar Oida on Thursday, the Manila City Hall ordered repairs of pavements along the route of the procession.
In 2006, officials said a man fell on a hole covered by planks of wood. He died in the ensuing stampede.
“Pag natumba ka diyan sa dami ng mga tao, baka madaanan ka na [at] di ka na makabangon… Matatapak-tapakan ka na ng ibang namamanata,” said Manila Department of Engineering and Public Works Highway Division 3 officer-in-charge Cecile Palisoc.
(If you fall amid thousands of people, you might find it hard to get up, and you’re in danger of beng crushed by the crowd.)
Palisoc added that preparations, including repairs of broken sidewalks, drainages and clearing of trees along the route, have been underway since December.
Meanwhile, personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau have been spearheading clearing operations for illegally parked vehicles and other obstacles along the road.
Illegally parked e-trikes, tricycles, and cars were removed, while public utility vehicles that were caught loading passengers along Recto Avenue were issued tickets.
Merchants who also stowed their items on the sidewalks of Arlegui Street were also told to evacuate.
The MMDA announced that clearing operations will be done daily until the Traslacion on January 9.
“Sana po makiisa yung ating mga citizens at may mga establishments sa lugar na ito para ma-ensure na maayos at maluwag yung dadaanan ng ating Mahal na Poon sa Traslacion ng Nazareno,” said MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Director Attorney Vic Nuñez.
(We’re hoping that the people and establishments in this area will cooperate to ensure that the route of our Black Nazarene for the Traslacion will be safe and wide enough.) —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News
