The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday a “no fly zone” policy would be enforced while signal jamming may be imposed to ensure the security of next week’s Black Nazarene procession in the City of Manila, which will be attended by an estimated two million devotees.
“It will be a no fly zone,” PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. told reporters Wednesday in an ambush interview.
Asked if the police will use a signal jammer for the Jan. 9 event, Acorda said it will depend on the decision of the leadership of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
“Kasama din sa contingencies. Depende sa decision ng [Regional Director] because the overall supervisor will be the RD NCRPO, but we will be supporting them kung ano man ang requirements,” he said.
(That is part of the contingencies. It will depend on the decision of the Regional Director because the overall supervisor will be the RD NCRPO, but we will be supporting them whatever the requirements.)
Acorda made the statement after a recent meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, executives from concerned agencies, and Church officials.
According to the PNP chief, Bersamin was satisfied with the briefings in connection with Traslacion. The PNP earlier said that it has not monitored any credible and serious threats for the event.
Law enforcers will implement restrictions at controlled areas in front of Quiapo Church, and the streets surrounding the cathedral.
Prohibited items include backpacks, water bottles, except transparent ones, umbrellas, and ball caps.
Physical distancing will be imposed during Masses to minimize the risk of communicable diseases.
Police deployment
Part of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene is the Traslacion, which involves the procession of a 400-year-old black image of Jesus Christ from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
To secure the Feast activities, the PNP said some 15,000 police personnel will be deployed. During the Traslacion, over 5,600 personnel will be initially designated.
The annual Traslacion was not held over the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PCG support
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Wednesday it would deploy personnel in Metro Manila to support PNP security forces for the Traslacion.
The PCG will assign canine units at Quirino Grandstand, Jones Bridge, and the Quiapo Church, while coastal patrols will assist security forces through floating assets at the Pasig River and Manila Bay.
Mass evacuation procedures via Pasig River and Manila Bay have also been prepared as contingency measures, while PCG medical teams will be on standby to provide necessary assistance.
“The Philippine Coast Guard is one with the Philippine National Police and religious organizers for the successful, safe, and peaceful conduct of the Black Nazarene Traslacion, a time-honored Roman Catholic tradition,” PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan said in a statement.
Also on Wednesday, the Quiapo Church released a list of do’s-and-don’t’s for devotees ahead of the Traslacion. — with a report from Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VDV, GMA Integrated News
