With millions of devotees expected to participate in the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna urged the public to follow safety guidelines and regulations to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration.
Lacuna advised devotees against bringing children and persons with disabilities to the “Traslacion” procession due to potential safety hazards. She also discouraged attendees from wearing jewelry or carrying prohibited items.
“I urge devotees to strictly follow the rules and regulations being set by the Church and law enforcement authorities to avoid any hassle and ensure the safety of all participants,” Lacuna said in a statement.
The mayor also stressed the importance of sobriety, warning devotees against consuming alcohol before or during the procession.
Manila is implementing various measures to ensure public safety, including inspecting the procession route for any hazards such as hanging electrical wires, potholes, and open manholes. Medical teams will also be on standby.
Meanwhile, the Manila Police District has imposed a three-day gun ban from 8 to 11 January 2025 for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
MPD chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said the ban aims to ensure public safety during the event.
The NCRPO will deploy 12,168 officers, with an additional 2,306 personnel from other units providing augmentation.
“We have many activities, especially in the Quiapo area and these are continuous. But we have a skeletal deployment. Come 8 January in the evening, we will have a full deployment,” Ibay said.
Ibay also stressed that while no specific threats have been identified, security measures will remain heightened.
Regarding a possible mobile signal interruption, Ibay stated that this decision is outside the MPD’s purview.