PNP: No specific threat for Black Nazarene feast

With millions of devotees expected to gather in Quiapo to celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has beefed up its intelligence network to prevent any terrorist attack during the celebration.

Director Alejandro Lapinid, chief of the PNP’s Directorate for Intelligence, said the PNP is hopeful that it will be a peaceful and orderly celebration.

"So far, we have not monitored any serious threat that could disrupt the holding of two occasions," he said, referring to the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila and the ASEAN summit.

The annual religious feast of the Black Nazarene will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 9, while the ASEAN summit to be held in Cebu starts on Jan. 10 and will last until Jan. 14.

"Of course, the PNP will not let its guard down, as all PNP personnel are to remain vigilant and alert," Lapinid told The STAR.

For his part, Intelligence Group director Chief Superintendent Romeo Ricardo said IG operatives are now in the field to gather information that could thwart possible terrorist attacks on both events.

Organizers of the religious parade for the Black Nazarene were reportedly planning to transfer the venue of the celebration from the Plaza Miranda to Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to accommodate millions of devotees who would gather for the feast.

The plan to transfer the venue was also meant to ensure the safety and orderly of the religious celebration.

There were always casualties in every celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene as millions of devotees force their way to touch the image. – Cecille Suerte Felipe