Officials of the Manila Police District (MPD) and the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene conducted two separate walkthroughs in preparation for the Traslacion 2025 route.
The first walkthrough was held on Dec. 4, while the second took place on Friday, Dec. 27, starting from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
The initial walkthrough aimed to assess the proposed procession route while the follow-up focused on addressing any identified changes and ensuring the route’s safety for devotees.
Quiapo Church communications coordinator Silgen Frias Cabrito said that participants included members of the Hijos del Nazareno organization, volunteers, government and private sector employees, and police officials.
MPD director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said that he would deploy 14,000 police officers to ensure the safety of the devotees, with emergency vehicles on standby for immediate response.
“Lahat ng dadaanan ng Traslacion, lalatagan natin ng kaukulang numero ng security personnel natin. Hindi lang naman ang PNP ang magse-secure dito, kasama natin ang Armed Forces, kasama natin ang Philippine Coast Guard at lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno lalo na ang ating LGU, ay nagsama-sama para magiging successful itong darating na traslacion,” he said.
During the walkthrough, the police ordered the removal of fences and concrete barriers that obstruct the procession path.
The annual Feast of the Black Nazarene held every January 9 commemorates the transfer of the revered statue to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene. It draws millions of devotees. (Hannah Nicol)