Nazareno 2025 route walkthrough spots possible hazards, obstructions

Authorities conducted Friday another walkthrough of the procession route for the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila City, identifying possible hazards and obstructions that could affect the religious activity that regularly draws millions of devotees.

"[Ginawa namin ito] para makita natin kung 'yung dadaanan ng prusisyon ay maayos na (This is to check if the route of the procession is in order)," Manila Police District (MPD) chief Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay told Manny Vargas on Dobol B TV.

"Kagaya ng mga nakita natin na mga nakaharang doon, particularly dito sa parte ng [Fraternal Street]. Masikip kasi yung daanan na iyon kasi mayroong ongoing na construction," he added.

(We saw some obstructions there, particularly on Fraternal Street. That road is narrow because there is ongoing construction.)

Ibay said the ongoing construction may pose danger to the devotees who will participate in the Traslacion procession. He also noted that some devotees are barefoot, who may sustain puncture wounds.

Part of the annual celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, Traslacion is the procession of the 400-year-old black image of Jesus Christ from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in Manila.

The Quiapo Church previously reported that as many as 6.5 million people participated in Nazareno 2024, the first after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, organizers also conducted a walkthrough to ensure the safety of devotees on the procession route.

They checked the route from Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo.

Manholes, roadside shops, electric wires, and parked vehicles were inspected during the activity.

The technical adviser of the Minor Basilica had said the number of devotees in the upcoming Traslacion might decrease.

Some 14,000 police personnel are expected to be deployed in the area. — VDV, GMA Integrated News