MANILA, Philippines — Over 22,000 devotees joined the pahalik or kissing of the Black Nazarene’s image at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila yesterday.
As of 8 a.m. yesterday, 22,327 people had lined up for the pahalik, according to the Nazareno Operations Center of the Quiapo Church.
Up to 9,404 attendees were recorded from Monday to Tuesday.
The crowd for today’s Feast of the Black Nazarene is expected to exceed the 6,113,598 devotees who joined the traslacion last year.
While politicians are not prohibited from attending masses, Quiapo Church rector Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr. said they should not take attention away from the occasion.
Tutok to Win party-list Rep. Sam Verzosa, who is running for Manila mayor in the midterm elections, had participated in the pahalik.
Verzosa has been posting traslacion-related content on Facebook, saying he has been a devotee for 16 years.
Candidates in the midterm polls in May were urged not to take advantage of the religious event.
Devotees who will join the procession from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church should follow protocols, Sescon said.
Hand washing, sanitizing and wearing face masks should be observed during the traslacion to “safeguard public health amid large gatherings,” the Manila city government said on Tuesday.
Barefoot devotees will be allowed to board Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2.
Road clearing and cleanup operations were conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Over 200 medical personnel will be deployed by the Department of Health.
Medical teams will be stationed at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal and Quinta Market.
A Code White alert has been raised in all state hospitals in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon until tomorrow.
Devotees were advised to drink plenty of water, bring transparent raincoats, wear comfortable clothes and footwear as well as prepare first aid kits.
Solemn, litter-free feast
Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has urged devotees to keep the traslacion solemn and litter-free amid the bishops’ call for ecological action.
The group cited the 128th plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in July 2024, wherein the CBCP identified six eco-actions, including supporting efforts to eradicate plastic pollution.
Meanwhile, 10 floating assets and a specialized team have been deployed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to secure five bridges along the Pasig River during the procession.
Assets of the PCG’s substation at Malacañang will be pre-positioned at the Ayala Bridge, Quezon Bridge, McArthur Bridge, Jones Bridge and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge.
Vessels will patrol waters between Malacañang and Mandaluyong City.
Search and rescue operators, divers, K9 units, explosive ordnance disposal teams, law enforcement officers and medical teams will comprise the PCG’s team.
Speaker hails traslacion
Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday extended his greetings to millions of Filipino devotees celebrating the traslacion.
“The feast of the Black Nazarene is a symbol of deep faith of each Filipino. May the celebration this year be safe, orderly and full of unity,” Romualdez said.
He underscored the enduring Filipino devotion to the Black Nazarene, which continues to inspire hope and unity among the faithful.
Romualdez emphasized that the celebration is not just a religious ritual, but a powerful expression of faith and solidarity.
“The perseverance and dedication of our devotees remind us of the power of faith in overcoming life’s challenges,” the Speaker said.
Romualdez urged devotees to uphold discipline, ensure a peaceful celebration and safeguard the environment during the procession.
He commended the efforts of the Manila city government and church officials in traslacion preparations.
Meanwhile, the Senate will work until 2 p.m. today amid road closures and expected traffic jams during the traslacion. – Ghio Ong, Mayen Jaymalin, Jose Rodel Clapano, Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Elizabeth Marcelo