AS millions of devotees prepare to participate in this year’s Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, key agencies and organizations have mobilized their personnel and resources to ensure the safety and security of the faithful.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have unveiled comprehensive plans for the annual Traslacion, an event drawing millions to Manila’s Quiapo Church.
The PRC said it would deploy 1,138 personnel — volunteers and staff from its national headquarters and chapters across Metro Manila and nearby provinces. These teams will be stationed along the “Walk of Faith” procession route from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church).
To provide immediate medical assistance, 17 first aid stations will be strategically placed along the route. These stations will be operational from Jan. 7, coinciding with the Pahalik event at the Quirino Grandstand.
By Jan. 9, all stations, including welfare desks, will be fully staffed and equipped.
PRC’s medical assets include 18 ambulances from Metro Manila chapters and 20 ambulances from Central and Southern Luzon, on standby for augmentation. Twelve scooters for the roving medical team are specifically designed to navigate narrow streets. Two rescue boats, along with other essential vehicles such as a rescue truck, fire truck, humvee, and service units, will also be available.
The PRC will set up an emergency field hospital featuring a six-bed emergency response room for minor wound treatment and a 50-bed capacity ward to accommodate patients.
“The Philippine Red Cross is fully prepared for the Traslacion this 2025. All teams and equipment have been positioned since midnight to ensure a smooth and safe operation,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon as he assured the public of their preparedness.
PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang urged devotees to prioritize their health and safety, advising them to stay hydrated, avoid bringing valuables, and consider staying home to watch live coverage if unwell.
Members of zero waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition gather on Tuesday outside the Quiapo Church to encourage devotees to minimize their waste during the Traslacion. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Members of zero waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition gather on Tuesday outside the Quiapo Church to encourage devotees to minimize their waste during the Traslacion. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Members of zero waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition gather on Tuesday outside the Quiapo Church to encourage devotees to minimize their waste during the Traslacion. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Members of zero waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition gather on Tuesday outside the Quiapo Church to encourage devotees to minimize their waste during the Traslacion. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Members of zero waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition gather on Tuesday outside the Quiapo Church to encourage devotees to minimize their waste during the Traslacion. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Members of zero waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition gather on Tuesday outside the Quiapo Church to encourage devotees to minimize their waste during the Traslacion. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Members of zero waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition gather on Tuesday outside the Quiapo Church to encourage devotees to minimize their waste during the Traslacion. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Meanwhile, the DILG announced that the Philippine National Police (PNP) would deploy 12,168 police officers to maintain order and security.
The Manila Police District alone will mobilize 2,554 officers, with additional reinforcements from the Northern and Southern Police Districts, Quezon City Police District, and Police Regional Offices 3 and 4A, each contributing 1,500 personnel.
Specialized units include 848 officers from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, 766 officers from the National Capital Region Police Office, and 500 officers from the Eastern Police District.
The PNP’s security plan, developed in collaboration with the City of Manila and other agencies, includes traffic management by the Highway Patrol Group and heightened vigilance by the Intelligence and Anti-Cybercrime Groups against potential physical and digital threats.
The Bureau of Fire Protection is also on high alert, deploying 149 firefighters and a specialized team trained to handle chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
Last year, over 6.5 million devotees participated in the 5.8-kilometer procession, underscoring the event’s cultural and spiritual significance.
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