Devotees gather for traditional Black Nazarene 'pahalik'

Devotees started flocking to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the traditional "pahalik" which starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

According to Jonathan Andal's report on Super Radyo dzBB, several devotees lined up as early as 11 p.m. on Friday and have now been waiting for over 12 hours.

Devotees of different generations - kids, Gen Zs, and senior citizens - said it was part of their sacrifice for the occasion.

Others brought umbrellas and mats as they waited in the sunshine. Some also brought snacks and water.

Several roads in the area, particularly T.M. Kalaw, had been closed to traffic.

Meanwhile, authorities strengthened security in the area to maintain peace and order.

On Friday, Vonne Aquino reported on "24 Oras" that devotees would only be allowed to wipe their handkerchiefs or hand towels on the image as kissing the image of the Black Nazarene was still prohibited.

Despite this, many were still willing to make the sacrifice just to touch the image.

Meanwhile, Super Radyo dzBB reported that a Mass was held before the start of the pahalik.

Misa bago ang pagsisimula ng "Pahalik" na ngayon ay gagawin sa paraan ng pagtanaw at pagpupugay, naidaos na sa Quirino grandstand. | via @dzbbsamnielsen pic.twitter.com/BcC75P0m2x

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 6, 2024

In 2021, the traditional pahalik was prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was changed to “pagpupugay” during which devotees were only allowed to look at the Black Nazarene. When the pahalik returned in 2023, devotees were allowed to touch the Black Nazarene using a towel or handkerchief.

On January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene will be celebrated.

The Traslacion - a procession from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church of the 400-year-old black image of Jesus Christ - is one of the traditional activities, along with the pahalik and the blessing of Black Nazarene replicas, of the feast.

Ahead of the Traslacion, Manila Police District acting director Police Colonel Arnold Thomas Ibay told Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday that heavy traffic is expected as some roads will be closed from 9 p.m. of January 8 to January 9.

Daily walkthroughs are also being conducted along the Traslacion route to ensure there are no obstructions, such as unauthorized vendors, during the procession, Ibay said.

Medical emergency equipment

Meanwhile, the Manila City Hall and the police deployed medical emergency equipment, through the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), ahead of the Traslacion on January 9, 2024.

An advanced medical post or field hospital was established in the Bonifacio Shrine, also known as the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Ermita, Manila.

It has thirty hospital beds with an oxygen tank designated for each bed. The field hospital was also ready to respond to those who need critical care.

A mobile clinic was also deployed in the area. Ambulances would be deployed on January 9.

Earlier on Saturday, a simulation exercise tested the speed of emergency services in meeting the needs of patients during the occasion.

"Ito po ang pinakamalapit na lugar po na pwedeng takbuhan po ng mga magiging pasyente nayin. Kaya naman naman natin gamutin dito, dito nalang po natin itakbo para hindi po natin pa clog yung atin mga ospital," said Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.

(This is the closest place that our future patients can run to. We can treat them here, so we don't clog up our hospitals.)

The Kartilya outside the Manila City Hall would also serve as a command post where all the procession routes would be monitored during the Traslacion.

"Handang-handa na po talaga tayo para sa January 8 and 9," Lacuna added.

(We are very prepared for January 8 and 9.)

Meanwhile, a send-off ceremony was held earlier Saturday for the police officers who would monitor and secure peace and order during the Traslacion.

About 12,000 Philippine National Police personnel would be deployed on the feast day of the Black Nazarene, the report said. — with Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM/VBL, GMA Integrated News