ALL systems are ready for the Black Nazarene’s Traslacion on Jan. 9 with an unprecedented security force of 14,474 personnel to ensure the safety of over 6 million devotees expected to participate.
Authorities have put in place stringent measures to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the event.
This includes 12,168 police officers and 2,306 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies.
TIGHT WATCH Police officers man X-ray baggage scanners installed at the entrance of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, on Jan. 6, 2025, as part of security measures for the Traslacion. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
The security plan includes no-fly, no-drone and no-sail zones along the procession route, a liquor ban within a 500-meter radius of event venues, and strict bans on backpacks, umbrellas, firearms and vendors near Quiapo Church.
Metro Manila police chief BGen. Anthony Aberin emphasized vigilance and respect for devotees’ rights during the event.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard will enforce maritime security, and road closures will begin at 9 p.m. on Jan. 8.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued rerouting guidelines for motorists to mitigate traffic congestion.
Religious activities began early with the Pahalik, which started ahead of schedule at the Quirino Grandstand.
Over 9,400 devotees participated by touching or wiping the Black Nazarene image, following the church’s advice to avoid kissing it to prevent the spread of infections.
The countdown to the Holy Mass and the start of the annual procession of the Black Nazarene began on Wednesday with an overnight vigil.
The festivities included band parades, youth programs and community prayers at the Quirino Grandstand.
The program temporarily paused at midnight on Jan. 9 for the Holy Mass, which will be celebrated by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula. The next Mass at the Grandstand will be the Misa Mayor.
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Police and security officers man the X-ray machines at the only entrance for devotees going to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8, 2025. The Philippine National Police have tightened the security around the Quiapo Church as it expects more devotees to flock area a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
Following the Holy Mass, the overnight vigil will resume until the procession begins Thursday morning. The Traslacion procession will start at Quirino Grandstand and proceed through several key streets in Manila, including Katigbak Drive, Padre Burgos Street, Finance Road, Ayala Bridge, Palanca Street, Quezon Boulevard, and more, before reaching Quiapo Church.
Key roads along the procession route, such as Bonifacio Drive, Katigbak Drive, South Drive, and portions of Roxas Boulevard, will be closed for security and logistical purposes.
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the image of the Black Nazarene while praying on the second day of the ‘pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2025. This deeply rooted religious tradition draws thousands of faithful, all seeking blessings and a profound spiritual connection. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Other streets, such as P. Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, and Quezon Boulevard, will also be affected.
The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed 201 personnel and set up health stations at key locations, including Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Ayala Bridge and Quinta Market.
The DOH has raised a “Code White” alert to ensure the readiness of 20 hospitals in Metro Manila.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has also mobilized over 1,100 volunteers, with 17 first aid stations along the procession route. They will provide emergency support, along with ambulances, rescue boats, and an emergency field hospital.
A PRC medical tent, located at the Kartilya ng Katipunan monument beside Manila City Hall, is a 50-bed mobile hospital with facilities capable of a tertiary hospital’s emergency room.
Among the facilities include ventilators, intravenous fluids, oxygen tanks and patient monitors, as well as volunteer doctors and nurses.
Aside from this, foot patrol volunteers with backpacks containing first aid kits and riding in scooters are also deployed in areas around the route to provide medical help.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared Jan. 9 a special non-working holiday in Manila, allowing millions to join the solemn religious event.
The Traslacion celebrates the deep faith of devotees who believe in the miraculous powers of the Black Nazarene.
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