The local government of Manila announced on Tuesday that it is “all systems go” for the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno highlighted by the annual Traslacion procession on 9 January 2025.

During a send-off ceremony for personnel deployed for the event, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna urged everyone to follow guidelines and ensure the safety of all.  

Present at the Quirino Grandstand were Vice Mayor Yul Servo, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Marbil and Manila Police District (MPD) director Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay.

Personnel from the PNP, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Joint Task Force NCR were sent off.  

Outgoing Quiapo Church vicar and now Balanga, Bataan Bishop Rev. Fr. Rufino “Jun” Sescon blessed the personnel.

“The celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene is a significant part of Filipino culture and tradition, especially for Manileños... it is not only a religious event but also a major tourism event,” Lacuna said.

“With millions expected to gather in the coming days, we are expected by the Church and the entire nation to ensure that everything is orderly and safe,” she added.

The Traslacion involves the procession of the 400-year-old black image of the Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.  

Meantime, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday said it is fully prepared for the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno, adding that last year’s event drew 6.5 million devotees, and this year’s celebration is expected to draw even larger crowds.  

Over 14,000 Metro Manila cops and reinforcements from other regions and agencies will be deployed to ensure the peaceful conduct of Nazareno 2025.  

Strict regulations will be enforced, including bans on backpacks, umbrellas, alcohol, firearms and vendors near Quiapo Church. Key areas will also be covered by no-fly, no-drone, and no-sail zones, and a liquor ban will be imposed within 500 meters of event venues.

NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin assured the public of a peaceful and secured celebration of the Jesus Nazareno.

In other developments, MMDA chairperson Atty. Don Artes inspected Quirino Grandstand, where the traditional Pahalik is being held. Artes inspected the agency’s Mobile Command Center and the First Aid Station.

The agency expects an influx of devotees. The MMDA has placed plastic barriers and tents to serve as shade for devotees. Emergency response is also on standby.

CCTVs are deployed around the areas where the procession will pass to monitor traffic.

“We have deployed 1,200 personnel for the procession alone,” Artes said.

The Supreme Court, on the other hand, suspended work to observe the celebrations but a skeleton workforce will remain operational in key areas.

Meanwhile, devotees of the Jesus Nazareno have started to line up at the Quirino Grandstand for the traditional ritual.  

As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the MPD Ermita Station had recorded at least 1,000 devotees in the vicinity of the Quirino Grandstand.

The Philippine Red Cross will also install its command post and field hospital along Kartilya ng Katipunan, beside the Manila City Hall.

Also, the Department of Health (DoH) reported Tuesday that it will position 20 medical stations across strategic locations during Traslacion or the procession of Jesus Nazareno.

The DoH, in collaboration with partner agencies and the City Government of Manila, will deploy medical teams and health stations in the main areas of the Traslacion route, including Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal and Quinta Market.