The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it will strictly enforce liquor and gun bans during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on 9 January.

PNP chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the heightened enforcement of the liquor and gun bans as part of security measures for the annual religious celebration.

This comes after the PNP leadership approved the National Capital Region Police Office’s (NCRPO) recommendation to suspend the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) from 8 to 10 January.

Nartatez said a sufficient number of police personnel will conduct operations not only to enforce the liquor and gun bans but also to uphold the prohibition on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials.

“We have been coordinating with the City Government of Manila to ensure that this religious activity will be peaceful and orderly, as the PNP has done over the years,” he said.

He emphasized that security preparations are continuously evolving to address new challenges each year. “Every year has a new security challenge, and we have been improving our security operations,” he added.

Nartatez also appealed to the public for cooperation. 

“I am urging our kababayans to work with us. Hindi tayo magtatagumpay kung kami lang ang kikilos para mapanatiling maayos ang Kapistahan ng Poong Nazareno,” he said.

During the Monday flag-raising ceremony, Nartatez assured that the PNP’s efforts would remain proactive and continuous. 

“This event gathers millions of devotees. It presents a complex security environment that requires careful planning and full coordination. Let me be clear: there will be no letup in our security preparations,” he said.

“We will remain alert and ready to protect lives. We will respect faith and ensure the orderly conduct of this significant occasion,” he added.