MANILA — A day before millions are anticipated to participate in the annual Traslacion, authorities on Thursday encouraged devotees celebrating the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno to exercise their faith with discipline and restraint, emphasizing devotion over extremism.
Manila Police District (MPD) spokesperson PMaj gave a press conference. Since a sizable crowd is expected for the religious celebration, Phillip Ines said that public safety continues to be the top priority.
Ines said, “‘Yung totoong deboto ay marunong sumunod sa tagubilin ng simbahan. Hindi natin kailangang magmarka ng takot dito sa mga debotong ito, kundi patuloy tayo nakikiusap at pinapaalala sa kanila na sila ay deboto at hindi panatiko.”
(We are not here to instill fear among devotees; instead, we continue to appeal to them and remind them that they are devotees, not fanatics; the true devotee knows how to follow the Church’s instructions.)
The reminder after tensions that broke out during the Traslacion along Manila’s Ayala Bridge last year, when some devotees shoved past police officials guarding the area.
According to Ines, officials have implemented extra security measures in order to prevent a recurrence after learning from the occurrence.
He said, “Lahat ng scenario naisip na natin ‘yan. At magkakaroon talaga ng pagsasara doon. Gagamitin natin ‘yung kalsadang ‘yun para sa emergency lane kung sakaling kakailanganin, meron tayong kalsadang magagamit. At meron din tayong ilalagay dyan na container van para ‘yung lugar na ‘yun ay mapigil natin katulad ng nababanggit niyo,”
(Every situation has previously been taken into account; the area will be closed, the road will be utilized as an emergency lane if needed, and container vans will be positioned to control the area and prevent the same incident from recurring.)
Prior to the feast, police assured the public that no serious threats were being monitored.
As part of increased security procedures, he continued, there would be brief signal disruptions as the image’s carriage travels through specific sections of the path.
Several routes, such as South Drive, Katigbak Drive, and Independence Road, were closed, and nearby hotels were allowed only limited access.
At 9 p.m., additional road closures are scheduled to occur. Thursday in preparation of Friday’s Traslacion.
