PNP sees no 'credible, serious' threats to Traslacion 2024

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it has not monitored any credible and serious threats to the conduct of the Feast of the Black Nazarene later this month. 

“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong nare-receive na any credible, serious threat pagdating po sa Traslacion 2024,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a press conference.

(As of now, we have not received any credible and serious threats for the upcoming Traslacion 2024.) 

“Pero kagaya ng sinasabi ng ating Chief PNP (but like what our Chief PNP said), we are hoping for the best but we are preparing for worst scenario if ever po,” she added.

While there is no final decision yet, Fajardo said the authorities are considering jamming the signal and imposing a “no fly, no drone zone” policy during the Traslacion.

Authorities are now conducting clearing operations in concerned areas for the annual religious event usually attended by millions of devotees.

Police will implement some restrictions in controlled areas in front of Quiapo Church as well as the streets and roads surrounding the chapel.

Prohibited items are backpacks and water bottles except those transparent ones, as well as umbrellas and bull caps, among others.

Physical distancing will be imposed during Masses due to the risk of communicable diseases.

Around 2 million people are expected to participate in the Black Nazarene feast. 

To secure the activities, the PNP said around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed. 

For the Traslacion or the procession of the 400-year-old Black Nazarene image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, over 5,600 personnel will be initially deployed.

According to Quiapo Church officials, the route for the Traslacion procession, which will be conducted on January 9, will be as follows:

From Quirino Grandstand:

• Right to Katigbak Drive (left side)
• Right to Padre Burgos St. through Finance Road
• Straight to Ayala Bridge
• Left to Palanca St.
• Right to Quezon Boulevard
• Right to Arlegui Street
• Right to Fraternal Street
• Right to Vergara Street
• Left to Duque de Alba Street
• Left to Castillejos Street
• Left to Farnecio Street
• Right to Arlegui Street
• Left to Nepomuceno Street
• Left to Conception Aguila Street
• Right to Carcer Street
• Right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen
• Left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat
• Left to J.P. de Guzman Street Right to Hidalgo Street
• Left to Quezon Boulevard
• Right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge
• Right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church

The traditional Traslacion was not held in the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. —KBK, GMA Integrated News