MPD ready for Black Nazarene feast on January 9

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Police District (MPD) and other government agencies have laid out security measures to ensure the safety of thousands of devotees who will flock to Quiapo for the feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9.

The National Capital Region Police Office has formed Task Force Nazareno for the event, MPD operations and plans division head Chief Inspector Lucile Faycho said yesterday.

The Philippine Army, Department of Health, Philippine Red Cross and Bureau of Fire Protection will be tapped to help maintain order and give medical assistance in the areas where the procession will pass.

Faycho said several roads would be closed for the Traslacion, which is the highlight of the Black Nazarene feast.

He said two lanes of Roxas and Quezon boulevards, Palanca and Dasmariñas streets as well as MacArthur and Jones bridges would be closed for the procession.

Chief Inspector John Guiagui, head of Plaza Miranda police precinct, advised the sick, children and elderly not to join the procession.

He urged the devotees not to wear jewelry to avoid attracting muggers and pickpockets.