1,000 cops to secure Nazarene procession

MANILA, Philippines — At least 1,000 personnel of the Manila Police District (MPD) will be deployed to Quiapo Church to secure the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene on Good Friday.

In a radio interview yesterday, MPD public information chief Maj. Philipp Ines said police would be deployed to Quiapo Church starting today.

Ines said police would also be posted in other areas where devotees are expected to converge.

The annual Catholic tradition was suspended for two years because of the pandemic.

Catholic Church rites have picked up over a year since the start of the mass vaccination program and amid the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases.

Devotees are not allowed to clamber onto the Black Nazarene image during the procession, according to Quiapo Church parochial vicar Fr. Douglas Badong.

The church has allowed the traditional “pahalik” on the Jesus Christ image.

Keep pilgrimage sites trash-free, devotees told

Meanwhile, environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has appealed to the faithful not to leave trash at pilgrimage sites.

Ecowaste made the appeal in anticipation of the surge of people taking part in Holy Week activities after a two-year break due to the pandemic.

“We request the faithful to aspire for an eco-friendly, litter-free Holy Week as we recollect the passion of Christ, seek forgiveness for our sins and rekindle our faith through prayers, penance and acts of charity,” EcoWaste national coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

The government has allowed physical Holy Week activities due to the continued drop in COVID-19 cases nationwide.

Lenten activities in the past two years were held online to prevent the spread of COVID-19. – Elizabeth Marcelo