Traslacion from home? Devotees urged to consider watching procession online

MANILA, Philippines — As millions of people are expected to flock to the city of Manila for the traslacion or the procession of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, the Philippine National Police urged devotees to consider joining the religious feast online.

The PNP’s public information officer Jean Fajardo said people – particularly senior citizens and those with medical conditions – should opt to watch the procession through online platforms instead of physically attending the activity.

“It’s better if they can attend by watching online instead. We’re sure the Lord would understand because of physical limitations,” she said in Filipino in an interview over PTV-4.

After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PNP is expecting nearly two million devotees of the Black Nazarene to join the procession.

Fajardo also urged parents not to bring their children to the traslacion for their safety.

“Don’t even attempt (to bring your children) because we expect there will be a huge crowd there,” she said.

At least 15,200 police officers will secure the traslacion which will start at the Quirino Grandstand and will end at the Quiapo Church.

Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon said they will deploy at least 1,000 volunteers for the traslacion.

Their volunteers, with training in first aid and medical treatment, will be at their 10 first aid stations and welfare desks along the procession route.

Six teams of foot patrollers will also serve as mobile first aiders, Gordon said.

“We will mobilize our volunteers from different chapters in NCR (National Capital Region) and Rizal province to accommodate the medical needs of devotees,” he said in a statement.

The humanitarian organization has also readied 17 ambulance units, one fire truck, two rescue boats and an amphibian for the religious event.