Black Nazarene’s pahalik draws 9,404 devotees

MANILA, Philippines — The first day of the traditional pahalik or kissing of the image of the Black Nazarene drew more than 9,000 devotees at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

In a span of 21 hours, 9,404 people lined up to touch the exposed feet or part of the cross of the Jesus Nazarene, according to the Quiapo Church’s Nazareno Operational Center.

The crowd record was from 7 p.m. on Monday until 4 p.m. yesterday.

To avoid spreading viral infections, devotees should not kiss the feet of the Black Nazarene’s image, Nazareno 2025 spokesman Fr. Robert Arellano said.

“We cannot stop the devotees... They should just touch the image and wipe their handkerchief on it. Do not kiss the image anymore,” Arellano told dzBB.

“Those with handkerchiefs or cloth, make sure that these are clean when you touch the Señor. As much as possible, wash your hands and sanitize,” Arellano added.

The pahalik started late Monday following a mass for traslacion volunteers. It was supposed to begin yesterday.

Security measures

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said security measures are in place to ensure the safety of the Nazarene devotees.

A security force of 14,474 personnel – 12,168 police officers and 2,306 from other government agencies – are ready for deployment for the religious event.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil assured the public that police have not monitored any threats that could disrupt the traslacion.

The 2024 traslacion drew 6.5 million devotees. Authorities are projecting a bigger crowd on Thursday.

Marbil led a send-off ceremony for the security forces at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday.

No-fly, no-sail zones

Metro Manila police director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said key areas would be covered by no-fly, no-drone and no-sail zones.

A liquor ban will be imposed within 500 meters of the event venues.

Ambulant vendors are also prohibited near the Quiapo Church.

About 1,300 personnel have been deployed by the Central Luzon police to augment security for the pahalik as well as the entry and exit points in Metro Manila.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a traffic rerouting scheme for the traslacion.

The MMDA advised motorists to plan their trips and follow the designated routes to ease traffic congestion during the event.

Medical teams

The Department of Health (DOH) will deploy medical teams along the traslacion routes.

The DOH said health stations would be put up at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal street and Quinta Market.

Personnel from 20 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila, including the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital and East Avenue Medical Center will assist devotees in health-related needs.

First aid stations

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized 1,138 personnel to assist devotees who will join the traslacion.

PRC chairman Richard Gordon said the organization is prepared to give first aid to devotees who might be injured during the procession.

Seventeen first aid stations will be set up at strategic points along the traslacion route from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, according to Gordon.

The PRC will deploy 18 ambulances from its chapters in Metro Manila. Twenty ambulances from the Central and Southern Luzon chapters will be on standby.

“Two rescue boats will also be readied, along with other PRC assets such as firetrucks,” Gordon said.

SC suspends work

Work at the Supreme Court (SC) will be suspended tomorrow for the Nazarene feast.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo ordered the work suspension in line with Malacañang’s declaration of a special non-working holiday in Manila on Jan. 9.

A skeletal workforce will remain operational, the SC said. — Emmanuel Tupas, Rhodina Villanueva, Mark Ernest Villeza, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Ric Sapnu, Daphne Galvez