By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang assured the public that government agencies are on full alert for Friday’s Traslacion 2026, one of the country’s largest annual religious gatherings that usually draws millions to Manila’s streets to join the annual procession of Jesus Nazareno.
In a media briefing in Malacañang Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered public safety agencies to keep the event peaceful and orderly.
“Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na panatilihing payapa at makabuluhan ang idaraos na Traslacion, nakaalerto ang puwersa ng Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), at ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno upang siguruhing ang kaligtasan ng mga dadalo sa nasabing kaganapan,” she said.
Marcos has declared Friday, Jan. 9, a special non-working day in the City of Manila in observance of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.
According to the PNP, 18,212 uniformed personnel will be deployed across key locations during the Traslacion.
Devotees can expect increased police presence at the Quirino Grandstand, along the entire procession route, and at Quiapo Church, the final destination of the image of the Jesus Nazareno.
PNP Chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed officers to remain alert, composed, and humane while serving the public.
Additional security measures include “no-fly” zones near the event route and the deployment of cellphone signal jammers as preventive measures.
Meanwhile, the DILG reminded participants to avoid bringing sharp objects, fireworks, glass containers, and firearms, in line with the gun ban in the City of Manila.
The government said the measures aim to ensure a peaceful, safe, and meaningful Traslacion for millions of devotees.
