NDRRMC on blue alert for Traslacion

MANILA, Philippines — The National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) raised the blue alert status Sunday in preparation for the return of Traslacion this week. 

Under the blue alert status, half of NDRRMC’s disaster officials are on standby for potential emergencies. 

Millions of devotees are expected to participate in the Traslacion, the procession of the revered Black Nazarene statue, on Wednesday. 

NDRRMC said that its operation center will conduct heightened monitoring and close coordination with relevant agencies and uniformed services. 

Meanwhile, the City of Manila's DRRM office will lead an incident management team to monitor the situation and handle any incidents during the procession.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier placed hospitals in Metro Manila on code white alert, meaning identified medical personnel are on standby for immediate patient intake and treatment. 

The DOH will also deploy eight health emergency response teams along the route of Traslacion. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared January 9 a special non-working day in the City of Manila to mark the observance of the Traslacion.