The Philippine National Police (PNP) shifted its full attention Sunday to security preparations for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, with a focus on the Traslacion procession scheduled for 9 January.

Acting PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police visibility and intelligence monitoring have been intensified as the force transitions from holiday duties to securing one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.

While the Manila Police District (MPD) is still finalizing specific protocols, personnel have been deployed in the Quiapo district and surrounding areas since 2 January.

Nartatez said officers are conducting neighborhood visitations and securing preliminary activities, including the blessing of replicas and various Masses.

Although authorities have not detected any specific or credible threats, heightened security will remain in place due to the millions of devotees expected to attend.

“Every year has a different security challenge, but the objective remains the same: to ensure the safety of the millions of devotees and to maintain peace and order,” Nartatez said.

Approximately 15,000 police personnel will be deployed across Manila, with reinforcements arriving from Central Luzon and the Calabarzon region. Officers will be positioned along the traditional procession route to manage crowds, while specialized assets and medical teams remain on standby.

In a related move, the Department of Health placed public hospitals in Metro Manila and neighboring regions on “Code White” alert Sunday and DoH spokesperson Albert Domingo said the alert ensures that medical personnel are on standby for immediate emergency care.