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

PNP chief Police Lt. 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 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 to the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta and in Quiapo to ensure the public safety while allowing devotees to freely express their faith.

To prevent crimes during the religious activity, the PNP has positioned plainclothes operatives and intelligence units to counter pickpockets, thefts, scams, and other opportunistic offenses. Police assistance desks and dedicated personnel have been assigned to assist senior citizens, persons with disability, women, and children.

Nartatez said the PNP will ensure the public safety in support of the freedom of worship and public order.

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

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

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

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

Additional road closures will take effect at 9 p.m. on Thursday, 8 January, ahead of the Traslacion on Friday.

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

The PNP will strictly enforce security measures, including the bans on firearms, liquor, and firecrackers during the religious event.