No threats to Traslacion – Eleazar

Dialogue PDirector Guillermo Eleazar talks to vendors around Quiapo Church on regulations that will be imposed during the 9 January Black Nazarene procession. ALFONSO PADILLA

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar yesterday assured the public that they are already 85 percent prepared for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on 9 January.

In a press briefing, Eleazar said they are still doing some last-minute coordination with different agencies, but that they are already nearing the peak of their preparations for the coming Traslacion.

The NCRPO chief earlier said that at least 7,100 policemen would be deployed for the event next week, with 2,000 policemen coming from the Manila Police District (MPD) while 5,000 personnel will be obtained from other districts under the NCRPO.

At least 2.5 million individuals are expected to join the Traslacion — the re-enactment of the transfer of the image from Intramuros to the Quiapo Church in 1787 which is one of the country’s popular religious events.

Devotees pay homage to the image of Jesus Christ in maroon and gold vestments carrying a cross in a procession which in 2017 lasted 23 hours.

In the same briefing, Eleazar said telecom signals would be shut down in Quirino, Quiapo and along the route of the Traslacion.

He also said the route of the procession would be a no-fly and no-sail zone, thus flying drones or operating boats would not be allowed.

Still, Eleazar said there are no confirmed reports regarding direct threats during the festivities.

“Just the same, we are coordinating with the agencies in order for us to monitor everything to be able to have this celebration successful and peaceful,” he stressed.

MPD director PSSupt. Vicente Danao, meanwhile, assured the public that the city’s policemen are ready for the feast.

“On behalf of the MPD, we assure devotees that we will be giving our best to secure the event, especially the safety of all attendees,” Danao said.