MANILA — With millions expected to attend this year’s Nazareno celebrations, particularly the much awaited Traslacion on Friday, January 9, the Manila Police District (MPD) declared on Tuesday that it is prepared for any emergency or crisis.

18,000 police officers, some from neighboring provinces like Calabarzon and Central Luzon, will be deployed at critical locations this Friday, according to MPD Spokesperson PMaj. Philipp Ines.

Ines stated during a PTV briefing, “Lahat ‘yan, nakalatag na ang lahat ng ating ginagawa na ‘yan, ‘yung mga security plan natin kung sakaling magkaroon ng… emergency. Mayroon tayong mga lugar kung saan natin sila dadalhin,”

He said, “May evacuation area po tayo. Ina-identify natin ‘yung mga malalapit na ospital. Kung sakaling mayroon tayong mga deboto na kailangan nating dalhin diyan,”

More than 8 million devotees participated in the yearly Traslacion last year. According to Ines, more individuals are anticipated to attend the event.

He said, “Lahat ng ating mga pamamaraan, ginawa na natin. Marami na tayong ginawang pagkilos. ‘Yung mga inter-agency coordination meeting, nagkaroon tayo ng walkthrough, tinitingnan natin kung mayroon pa bang dadaanang iba… lahat ginagawan ng paraan,”

The police official stated that everything is “all set” and advised the public to follow all regulations of the National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno and Minor Basilica.

To guarantee that the plans are carried out, the MPD is also working as closely as possible with the local government unit in Manila.

While the andas of Jesus Nazareno had not yet passed, authorities had earlier announced that a number of routes would be temporarily closed to drivers and pilgrims.

These comprise Carlos Palanca Street up to Globo de Oro Street, which includes Solano and Padilla Streets; parts of Roxas Boulevard and Padre Burgos Street; Ayala Bridge; and Independence Road up to Katigbak Drive.

In order to make room for emergency vehicles and rescuers, P. Casal Street up to Mendiola/Legarda will stay closed.

In addition to Hijos del Nazareno members, hundreds of police officers who are also devotees—known as “hijos-pulis”—will work with the church this year as partners to make ensure the Traslacion is conducted peacefully, according to church officials.

Church officials explained that the “hijos-pulis” will don specially made clothing with the picture of Jesus Nazareno instead of the standard police uniform.

JAN. 9: US EMBASSY IN MANILA OPEN

The US Embassy in Manila declared on Friday, January 9, that it will continue to operate normally.

Additionally, the embassy advised US Americans attending the event to exercise caution owing to the risks associated with large crowds and to anticipate a delay in accessing emergency medical care in the vicinity.

Also, it suggested that drivers think about using different routes.