The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has shifted its operational focus to security preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, with the Traslacion set on January 9.
PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police presence has been stepped up in Quiapo and surrounding areas as attention moves from holiday policing to crowd safety for the massive religious event.
The Manila Police District is completing final security plans, although police deployment in the area began as early as January 2.
Nartatez said officers are securing pre-Traslacion activities, including devotional rites, replica blessings, the “Pabihis,” and daily Masses leading up to the procession.
While no specific or credible threats have been identified, the PNP said heightened security will remain in place due to the expected turnout of millions of devotees.
About 15,000 police personnel will be deployed across Manila, with additional support from police units in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
The PNP said it has been coordinating for months with the Manila city government, Quiapo Church, and other agencies, urging devotees to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities during the event.