Six K-9 units were deployed at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Wednesday to ensure the safety and security of the public during the “pahalik” or “pagpupugay” for the Jesus Nazareno.
On the second day of the “pahalik,” members of the Philippine National Police – Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group (PNP-EOD/K9G) were seen roaming around the area with six K-9 units.
According to EOD Technical Director Alvin Macalanda, the dogs are tasked to roam around every two hours to detect explosives and other threats.
“Sinisiguro po natin ‘yung safety ng mga deboto natin. Every two hours umiikot po kami dito sa Quirino Grandstand (We want to ensure the safety of the devotees. We make rounds here at the Quirino Grandstand every two hours),” he said.
“Nagde-detect po sila ng explosives, pwede po nilang maamoy ‘yun. Ang indication po ng aso natin, kapag naka-amoy sila ng explosives, uupo po sila (They detect the explosives through smell. The dogs will sit if they detect explosives),” he added.
He said the EIRT or the Explosive Incident Response Team of the EOD has a safety procedure in place in case an explosive is detected.
Meanwhile, according to Alex Irasga, the technical advisor for the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, devotees continue to flock to the Quirino Grandstand.
He said the current process is much faster compared to last year since devotees are now prohibited from kissing the image of Jesus Nazareno.
“Dati it will take you hours bago ka makalapit ngayon dahil wala na yung humahalik, ang nangyayari na lang ay pagpahid ng panyo o tuwalya, mas bumibilis ang proseso (In the past, it will take you hours before you can get near the image but now since kissing it is prohibited, the devotees just use their handkerchiefs or towels, the line is faster),” said Irasga.
He noted that so far, the activities have been peaceful and orderly.
“Sa mga kapatid natin na nananampalataya, ang pagdiriwang po ay dapat ituring na pagdiriwang hindi po dapat ito ituring na pagpipinetensiya o pahirapan ang mga sarili sa pagdiriwang. Ang ultimo hangarin po ng Simbahan ay gawing banal at ligtas ang ating celebration,” he added.
(To our brothers and sisters in faith, this is a celebration and should not be treated as a penitence. The ultimate goal of the Church is to make the celebration holy and safe.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News
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