The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified security measures and visibility patrols as it prepares for Traslacion 2026, with millions of devotees expected to flock to Manila for the annual procession of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said a comprehensive security and crowd management plan is already in place, beginning with the Pahalik rites for Nazareno 2026, which started on Wednesday evening, 7 January, at the Quirino Grandstand as large numbers of devotees began arriving.

“We in the Philippine National Police are ready for the Traslacion. The security measures are complete and will be adjusted in real-time while coordination with other government agencies is continuously being done, including crowd management plans for the Pahalik,” Nartatez said.

He added that sufficient police personnel have been deployed at the Quirino Grandstand and in Quiapo to ensure public safety while allowing devotees to freely express their faith.

To prevent crimes during the religious activity, the PNP also positioned plainclothes operatives and intelligence units to counter pickpocketing, theft, scams, and other opportunistic offenses. Police assistance desks and dedicated personnel were assigned to assist senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women, and children.

Nartatez said the PNP will ensure public safety during such major religious gatherings in support to upholding freedom of worship and public order.

“Ang direktiba ko sa ating mga pulis ay maximum tolerance, professionalism, at respeto sa relihiyosong aktibidad.

“I ordered all police units to exercise maximum tolerance, professionalism, and respect for religious activities. We have clear crowd control measures, designated entry and exit points, in close coordination with the Quiapo Church, LGU, MMDA, BFP, at medical teams,” Nartatez said.

He also called on devotees to cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful Pahalik and Traslacion.

The traditional Pahalik for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno began at 7 p.m. on 7 January at the Quirino Grandstand, allowing devotees to touch and kiss the image of the Black Nazarene.

Several roads, including Independence Road, Katigbak Drive, and South Drive, were closed to traffic, with limited access allowed for nearby hotels.

Additional road closures are set to take effect at 9 p.m. on Thursday, 8 January, in preparation for the Traslacion on Friday, 9 January.

At least 18,000 police personnel will be deployed to secure the procession.

The PNP will also strictly enforce security measures, including gun and liquor bans, and the prohibition of firecrackers during the event.