Don't bring expensive jewelry, cellphone during Traslacion —MPD

The Manila Police District (MPD) on Saturday urged devotees of the Black Nazarene not to bring expensive personal belongings if they are joining the Traslacion on January 9 to avoid being victimized by robbers.

"Hangga't maaari ang payo namin sa mga a-attend huwag na sila magsuot ng alahas o mamahaling bagay. Iwasan magdala ng cellphone," MPD director Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

Coronel said devotees should also avoid bringing small children and their babies.

He also urged the devotees to use transparent bags to help the police who will conduct security inspections during the religious event.

The police official said that as of Friday, a total of 165,000 people have arrived at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park for the Pahalik.

Authorities are expecting a total of 18.9 million devotees to join the week-long Feast of the Black Nazarene and two million people to join the Traslacion.

The official route of the Traslacion this year has been identified by the authorities.

Aside from the official Traslacion route, which stretches to at least six kilometers, authorities have identified 12 prayer stations.

The prayer stations are located at:

1. Manila Hotel
2. National Museum
3. Victoria corner Burgos streets
4. Liwasang Bonifacio
5. Escolta arch
6. Sta. cruz Church
7. Arlegui Street corner Quezon Boulevard
8. Arlegui corner Casal streets
9. Manuel L. Quezon University
10. San Sebastian Church
11. De Guzman Street
12. Globo de Oro Street

—ALG, GMA News