CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) has laid the groundwork as they prepare for the flock of devotees for the January 9th Traslacion. 

Police Lt. Col. Rey Gaudencio Taboclaon, deputy city director for operations at the COCPO, reminded the public of the prohibitions for the upcoming Traslacion 2024, also known as the Holy Procession of the Image of the Black Nazarene, a key event during the city's Feast of the Black Nazarene.

COCPO prohibits wearing jewelry, sunglasses, caps, and backpacks. 

"Please refrain from bringing gadgets, large amounts of money, water bottles, tumblers, and other bulky items you won't immediately need. We encourage pregnant women, children, and those in poor health to stay home," Taboclaon said in a press conference.

Likewise, the use of drones without authorization is restricted.

To streamline offertory collections during the Traslacion, Cagayan de Oro City Police officials proposed assigning dedicated individuals for this task. It would bring order and efficiency to the flow of the procession.

COCPO recognizes the utmost importance of the Traslacion to the devotees but also gives equal importance to the safety and security of the public.

Further, the city police office is also strengthening the protection of individuals among establishments through holding a series of linkages and activities before the Traslacion.

“Naa ‘ta mga interventions per [instructions by] City Director PCol. Salvador Radam. Naa man gani kitay upcoming meeting with security officers sa mga financial ug commercial establishments, security personnel sa mga inns, hotels, financial, commercial establishments nga ga-cater labi na gyud kadtung in possession sa dagko nga kantidad sa kwarta,” Taboclaon explained.

He said that Traslacion will follow the same route as last year, starting from the St. Augustine Cathedral towards Fernandez Street, then Don Apolinar Velez, and finally to the Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Claro M. Recto Avenue. This route will be closed to traffic during the duration of the procession.

Every year, Traslacion draws hundreds of participants, showcasing the depth of religious devotion in Cagayan de Oro City and the Philippines. In 2023, COCPO estimated 10,000 attendees, some coming from outside the city. (PIA-10/IJBDayo)