The annual celebration of the Traslacion on January 9 was slowed down due to devotees attempting to climb the andas (carriage) that bears the image of Jesus Nazareno.
The slowdown of the procession was reported by the Manila Police District (MPD).
“Ayon sa report sa atin, approaching na ng Maria Orosa along Burgos Drive,” MPD director, Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, said.
“Tuloy-tuloy naman ang usad, kaya lang marami pa ring nag-a-attempt na sumampa,” he added.
He explained that the devotees attempting to climb the carriage was inevitable, but this act slowed down the procession.
He said that the devotees attempting to climb the carriage is inevitable, however, he added that this act slows down the procession.
The Traslacion began early in the morning before 5:00 a.m. when it left the Quirino Grandstand.
Ibay mentioned that the slowdown occurred both when the procession left the Quirino Grandstand and when it reached MPD Station 5.
“Kanina pagka-alis sa Quirino Grandstand, nagtagal po kasi nabalaos (nabalaho) Siya. Naharang ng maraming deboto natin. Nagtagal sa may tapat ng Station 5. Pero nung nakalabas na doon, nakaalis sa pagkabalaos, doon tuloy-tuloy na sa Roxas Boulevard corner Katigbak. Kaya lang marami ulit sumalubong na deboto doon kaya bumagal ulit ang pag-andar,” he said.
However, Ibay also mentioned that members of the Hijos del Nazareno were actively warning and reminding devotees not to climb the andas.
“Iyun ang napag-usapan at ‘yun ang naririnig natin kasi meron naman silang megaphone at ‘yun ang ginagamit nila sa pakikipag-usap o pagsaway dito sa mga pumipilit na sumampa,” he added.