(Photo courtesy : NCRPO)
The National Capital Region Police Office is pushing for a significantly shorter Traslacion this year as part of broader efforts to tighten security and reduce risks during the annual Feast of Jesús Nazareno on January 9.
NCRPO chief Anthony A. Aberin said authorities are aiming to complete the procession within 10 to 12 hours, a marked improvement from last year when the revered image returned to its shrine after more than 20 hours on the road. According to Aberin, a shorter and more predictable timeline allows police and emergency teams to better manage crowd movement, limit exposure to hazards, and respond more quickly to incidents along the route.
In preparation for the massive turnout of devotees, Aberin personally led the final full-scale rehearsal briefing on January 4 at the Quirino Grandstand. The exercise focused on synchronizing ground operations, including route security, the movement of the andas, deployment of augmentation forces, and maintaining uninterrupted communication among police units assigned to different segments of the procession.
More than 18,000 police personnel will be deployed across Metro Manila on the day of the Traslacion. Security operations will be concentrated in three key areas: the Quirino Grandstand, where the procession begins; the entire route of the Traslacion; and the Quiapo Church, which serves as the final destination of the Black Nazarene.
The Philippine National Police leadership has also assured full support for the operation. PNP chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said additional manpower and resources will be made available to reinforce NCRPO’s efforts, underscoring the priority placed on ensuring the safety and security of millions of devotees expected to join one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.
