After securing Christmas season, PNP shifts focus to Traslacion

Following what it described as successful handling of security measures for the Christmas season, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has shifted its focus on securing the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9 when millions of devotees are expected to converge in Manila for the annual religious activity.

- By AARON RECUENCO

At least 15,000 policemen are expected to be deployed during the Traslacion and acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said they started preparing for the event as early as two months ago when coordination was made with the local government unit and the officials of the Quiapo church.

He said police forces in Metro Manila will be reinforced by uniformed personnel from the Police Regional Office 3, or Central Luzon, and the Police Regional office 4A, or Calabarzon.

"Every year has a different security challenge but the objective remains the same: to ensure the safety of the millions of devotees and to maintain peace and order at the span of the annual religious activity. Your PNP is ready but we still ask for vigilance and cooperation from the public to achieve our goal," said Nartatez.

He said they have not monitored any specific or credible threat linked to the religious celebration but the police will still maintain a very strict watch to ensure the safety of millions of devotees expected to participate.