The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that 439,900 devotees were tracked as of 10 a.m. on Friday during the 2026 Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) provided a breakdown of the crowd along key sections of the procession route, from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said no major incidents had been recorded as the Traslacion reached Ayala Boulevard and approached Ayala Bridge.
Barricades were set up by the Manila Police District to keep devotees from blocking the andas, the carriage carrying the image of Jesus Nazareno, though some participants briefly breached the barriers.
Nartatez reminded the faithful to remain orderly and said the police would intervene in case of scuffles while continuing to allow devotees space to move safely.
The PNP emphasized that law enforcement personnel are exercising maximum tolerance and professionalism during the procession, balancing crowd control with respect for the religious activity.
Monitoring efforts included 28 closed-circuit television cameras along the route and a deployment of over 18,000 officers to ensure public safety throughout the long procession back to Quiapo Church.