MANILA, (PIA) -- The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday again emphasized its commitment to ensuring a "safe, orderly, and secured" Traslacion on January 9, 2024.
“Containment rings/chokepoints/checkpoints are established already to deny entry of contrabands and criminal elements,” said NCRPO chief Police Brigadier General Melencio Nartatez Jr., in a media report.
“We'll have lockdown areas. Inner ring portion shall be closed to vendors, parking, vehicles, carrying of bags, bottles, no wearing of hoods and head caps, no raincoats, no umbrellas, etc. during the January 9 festivities,” he added.
Nartatez also said that crowd estimates for the Black Nazarene activities held on Thursday, January 4, were around 15,000, compared to pre-pandemic figures ranging from 1.5 million to 3.1 million.
The Traslacion, a centuries-old tradition involving the procession of the Black Nazarene statue from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, was canceled for the past three years due to the pandemic. This year's event marks a joyous return for devotees eager to participate in this deeply spiritual and culturally significant pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, Quiapo Church officials said that crowds participating in the event is purely an act of faith. The Traslacion represents a deeply personal connection for millions of Filipinos who seek blessings, express gratitude, and find solace in their devotion to the Black Nazarene. (PIA-NCR)
