NDRRMC on blue alert as Traslacion nears

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) went on blue alert on Sunday, ahead of the Traslacion on January 9, 2024.

According to Glen Juego's report on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, the blue alert meant that the NDRRMC's operations center was closely monitoring the event and coordinating with the other government agencies involved in the activity.

The Council also reported that the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office's incident management team had been activated.

The Manila incident management team will monitor and respond to emergencies that would take place during the massive procession at the heart of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The Philippine National Police said that it has not monitored any serious threat that could disrupt this year's Traslacion, which about 2.3 million Filipinos are expected to attend.

“Wala pa naman tayong nakukuha o nare-receive na impormasyon na maituturing na seryosong banta para ma-disrupt itong Traslacion. Pero we are not lowering our guard. Sabi ng ating chief PNP, we are hoping and praying for the best, but we are also prepared to address at kaharapin ang ilang mga banta na maaari nating ma-receive,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

An estimated 10,000 devotees gathered at the Quirino Grandstand on Saturday night during the start of the traditional "pahalik" of the Black Nazarene, the Manila Police District (MPD) said Sunday. The pahalik will continue through Monday, the day before the Traslacion proper.

The lines at the pahalik continued throughout Sunday.

Quiapo Church

At Quiapo Church, the home of the image of the Black Nazarene, security and safety measures are tight, with church management enforcing a "single entrance, multiple exits" rule. 

According to Dano Tingcungco's report on 24 Oras Weekend, lines to enter the church are long, with bags being inspected and sent through x-ray scanners and metal detectors.  

People without bags were put in another line that moved more quickly. The church has asked the public not to bring bags if at all possible; or at least use transparent bags for easier inspection.

"Ang mga bawal po ay yung mga payong, mga sombrero...Asahan po nila na magche-check po yung ating mga otoridad ng mga dala nating gamit," said Quiapo Church spokesperson Father Hans Magdurulang.

Outside the church, enforcers warned passersby to be vigilant for pickpockets and snatchers. "'Yung mga gamit niyo ingatan niyo, ha!" warned one. "Ang mandurukot, nagsisimba rin!"

Cagayan de Oro Traslacion

Other parts of the country are also preparing for the Nazarene devotion. 

In Cagayan de Oro City, law enforcement authorities are on alert ahead of the city's Traslacion activity on Tuesday, but stress they have not sensed any threat to peace and security. 

According to a report by GMA Regional TV One Mindanao's James Paolo Yap on 24 Oras Weekend, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Cagayan de Oro would see about 60,000 devotees from all across the country descend on the city for the Nazarene procession. 

On Monday evening, the image of the Nazarene will travel from the Nazareno Parish to St. Augustine Cathedral Church, where a Mass and a vigil will be heard. The Traslacion will set out at 9 a.m. the next day, a procession that takes about two hours. Some of the roads will be closed for the event.

The Pahalik will only be allowed in the church before and after the Traslacion. Attendees of the procession will not be allowed to bring backpacks and water tumblers, or wear jackets and hats.

Naga City

In the independent component city in Camarines Sur, devotees are also celebrating the Feast of Peñafrancia in addition to preparing for the Traslacion, which will take place in the city on Monday.

According to a report by Jessica Calinog of GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia on 24 Oras Weekend, on Monday the replica of the image of the Black Nazarene will set off from Holy Cross Parish in Barangay Tabuco towards Plaza Quezon, where a Mass and the pahalik will be held. Some roads will also be closed in the area as authorities ramp up security and safety measures for the event.

On Tuesday, four consecutive Masses will be celebrated in Plaza Quezon, to be followed by a procession bringing the image back to Holy Cross Parish. — DVM/BM, GMA Integrated News