MPD: No serious injury, untoward incident during Traslacion 2025

The Manila Police District on Friday said no serious injuries and untoward incidents have been reported during the Traslacion for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno Thursday.

''Except for the foot injuries and hypertension experienced by some devotees, there were no serious injuries and untoward incidents in the entire duration of the procession,'' MPD director Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said. 

It took more than 20 hours for the image of Jesus Nazareno to return to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church.

In a separate interview with Balitanghali, the MPD chief said that even deployed policemen experienced elevation of blood pressure due to their hectic schedule. 

“At hindi lang naman po ang mga deboto po natin nakaranas nito pati nagpapa-check up din po 'yung mga kapulisan natin kasi understandably dahil po sa halos mahigit bente kuwatro oras po kaming naka-duty rito, dito na lang po kami nagpapahinga sa mga locations na namin,” said Ibay

(Aside from the devotees, our cops also experienced elevated blood pressure and had to be checked up. Because understandably, we have been on duty for more than 24 hours. We just rest in our respective locations if we can.) 

He also said that they will conduct a meeting to assess their performance during the annual feast and how they can prepare for next year’s procession. 

“In fact pagkatapos po nito, we are setting a debriefing and critiquing meeting with them para mapag-usapan po kung ano po 'yung magandang nangyari o nasunod, ano pa 'yung mga paghahanda sa susunod na taon,” said Ibay.

(In fact, we are setting up a debriefing and critiquing meeting with them to discuss all the positive aspects of our security measures and what we should prepare for next year.) 

But the MPD noted that the orderliness of the succeeding feast and procession depends on the devotees. 

“'Di ba po although nandiyan po ang inyong kapulisan at ang kasundaluhan, iba po talaga kung manggagaling na po sa hanay ng mga deboto para maging maayos po ito,” said Ibay. 

(Although there’s a police and military presence, it will make a difference if our devotees are disciplined.) 

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil lauded the peaceful and orderly conduct of the procession, which was joined by more than eight million devotees. 

''The successful and peaceful conduct of Traslacion 2025 reflects the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the PNP. They endured long hours and challenging conditions to protect the millions of devotees attending this sacred event,” Marbil said in a separate statement.

“Their service exemplifies their commitment to both God and country,'' he added. 

The PNP had deployed 14,474 personnel to ensure the safety and security of those who will join the procession. The Philippine Red Cross reported at least 1,300 minor injuries, it added. 

Marbil further lauded the exceptional coordination between police units, the Manila City government, the Catholic Church, and volunteer organizations for the success of the Traslacion.

“The seamless teamwork, strategic planning, and discipline displayed by our personnel were crucial to the success of this event,” he said. 

“Our officers exemplify the true essence of public service. Their sacrifices ensure that millions of devotees can express their faith safely and peacefully. This level of commitment reflects the PNP's dedication to serving and protecting the Filipino people," he added. 

The image of Jesus Nazareno entered the church at 1:26 a.m., Quiapo authorities said.

The procession left Quirino Grandstand at 4:41 a.m. and lasted for 20 hours, 45 minutes and four seconds, they added.—Anna Felicia Bajo, with Vince Angelo Ferreras/AOL, GMA Integrated News