PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- The annual Traslacion of the Black Nazarene remains suspended for 2022 as COVID-19 continues to be a threat.  

According to the Manila Public Information Office, the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene will instead be done through a motorcade in selected areas of the City of Manila.

The decision was made following a consultation dialogue between Fr. Douglas Badong and other officials of Quiapo Church and the city government of Manila.

Fr. Badong, the church’s parochial vicar, said the move was in compliance with the rules of the government’s Covid-19 task force.

“As long as the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) doesn’t allow it, we will not be able to hold a procession,” Fr. Badong said.

Likewise, Manila Police District Director PBGen. Leo Francisco, around 8,000 police personnel will be deployed during the feast day.

He added that additional police personnel will also be available depending on the need of the situation and the alert level status of Manila come January 2022.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene, also known as the ‘Traslacion’ is a religious festival celebrated annually every January 9. (Manila/CBCP/PIA-NCR)