CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Security measures are already in place for the feast of the Black Nazarene this week, according to the Philippine National Police-10 (PNP-10).
PNP-10 said they expect a huge crowd at the Jesus Nazareno parish on Tuesday, and will be deploying police officers around the church and in areas where the “traslacion” (procession) of the image of the Black Nazarene will take place.
Aside from the “maximum number” of police personnel who will be assigned to secure the places of convergence, PNP-10 Regional Director Timoteo Pacleb said they will also deploy drones in all strategic areas “for us to monitor movements from the lower ground. Likewise, all possible counter-measures are being undertaken by joint security forces from PNP and [Armed Forces of the Philippines].”
People wishing to get a shot of the devotees using drones may ask permission from the police or the City Information Office, said city information officer Maricel Rivera.
Pacleb said the PNP-10 is also in close coordination with the city government, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) and other government agencies to ensure that the procession and other activities, will be peaceful.
For this year’s “traslacion,” the organizers decided to revert to the original route of the Black Nazarene, which will start at the St. Augustine Cathedral and will end up at the Nazareno church. The traslacion will start at 5 a.m. on Jan. 9 and is expected to last about two hours.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Oscar Moreno has issued an executive order implementing a liquor ban within the 300-meter radius of the procession.
The mayor also ordered drone operators to secure a written permit from the city police office. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)
