The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it has shifted its full attention to security preparations for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, particularly the Traslacion procession set for 9 January.

PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police visibility has been increased and intelligence monitoring intensified as preparations transition from holiday festivities to one of the country’s largest religious gatherings. 

The Manila Police District is currently finalizing security protocols, although police personnel have already been deployed since January 2 in Quiapo and nearby areas.

According to Nartatez, officers are conducting barangay visitations and securing activities leading up to the Traslacion, including the blessing of replicas of the Black Nazarene, the “Pabihis,” and various morning and fiesta masses.

While authorities have not monitored any specific or credible threats related to the celebration, the PNP stressed that heightened security measures will remain in place due to the millions of devotees expected to participate.

“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 during this annual religious activity,” Nartatez said. 

“Your PNP is ready, but we still ask for vigilance and cooperation from the public,” he added.

Around 15,000 police personnel are set to be deployed across Manila and nearby areas. The security force will be augmented by police units from the Police Regional Office 3 in Central Luzon and Police Regional Office 4A in Calabarzon.

Police will be positioned along the traditional procession route and other major convergence points to manage crowd control and respond quickly to emergencies. Specialized assets and medical teams will also be placed on standby throughout the event.

Nartatez added that coordination with key stakeholders, including the Manila city government and Quiapo Church, began as early as two months ago. Other government agencies, such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), have also committed support.

Nartatez urged devotees to cooperate with law enforcement officers on the ground and to strictly follow safety guidelines to help prevent accidents during the crowded procession.