By Alec Go
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are all set for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy 5,559 police personnel at the Quiapo Church, Quirino Grandstand, and law enforcement checkpoints, while the Bureau of Fire Protection in NCR and Joint Task Force – National Capital Region will have 175 personnel for deployment.
“Sa nalalapit pong pagdiriwang natin ng Pista ng Itim na Nazareno pinaaalalahanan po natin ang ating mga kababayan na tayo po nasa new normal pa din,” NCRPO chief MGen. Jonnel Estomo said.
“Bagama’t may mga deboto po tayong pipiliing manatili sa kanilang mga tahanan upang magdasal at magsimba, asahan pa din po nating marami pa din ang dadalo sa araw na ito,” he added.
The PNP said Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) are also suspended in Manila from January 5 to January 10.
Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies on duty and in their prescribed uniforms are allowed to carry firearms.
Meanwhile, the PCG District National Capital Region-Central Luzon is also on heightened alert from January 7 to 9 to conduct maritime safety and maritime security operations in Manila Bay and Pasig River.
It will also monitor water areas close to Jones Bridge, MacArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Ayala Bridge, and the back portion of Quirino Grandstand.
Underwater inspection will also be conducted, as well as the deployment of hundreds of PCG security personnel, medical team, K9 unit, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist.
“Dalawang taon ding natigil ang tradisyong ito dahil sa pandemya, kaya inaasahan natin na dadagsa ang mga deboto para makibahagi sa mga aktibidad ng simbahan ngayong taon,” CG Commodore Cornelio said.
“Kaya makakaasa ‘ho ang ating mga kababayan na katuwang nila ang PCG para maging matagumpay ang overnight vigil sa Quirino Grandstand na susundan ng ‘Walk of Faith procession’ papuntang Quiapo Church sa ika-08 ng Enero 2023,” he added.
According to PNP, no vendors will be allowed within the vicinity of Quiapo Church during the Traslacion, and churchgoers should only bring transparent plastic bags and transparent water containers or bottled water.
The airspace in the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo Church was also declared as “No Fly Zone” from January 6 noon to January 9 noon. All the ports and waterways near the vicinity of the venue will be secured as well.
Traffic rerouting will also be enforced.
