06 Jan 2025 | 06:30 AM UTC
Philippines: Increased security, transport and business disruptions certain at events marking Feast of the Black Nazarene nationwide through Jan. 9
Tight security, localized disruptions certain at Feast of the Black Nazarene events in the Philippines, especially Manila, through Jan. 9.
Events marking the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene (Traslacion) will take place across the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila, through Jan. 9. The key procession will occur in Manila city, starting at Quirino Grandstand and culminating at Quiapo Church Jan. 9. Smaller activities will begin Jan. 6 at Quirino Grandstand; masses will be held every hour at Quiapo Church from 15:00 Jan. 8 to 23:00 Jan. 9. Large accompanying events could also occur in churches within Metro Manila, including Church of Santa Cruz, Nazarene Catholic School, and San Sebastian Church. Major cities, including Cebu and Davao, will probably also host programs at churches. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared Jan. 9 a special non-working day in Manila city to facilitate the procession; around 6.5 million devotees are expected to join the event. The events are likely to pass off peacefully.
Heightened security and localized transport and business disruptions are certain during the events, especially in Manila. While there are no reports of specific security threats to the event, authorities will deploy at least 13,000 security personnel around Quiapo Church and entry and exit points to the city. Officials will enact road closures along the procession route and its adjacent roads from 21:00 Jan. 8 through the evening of Jan. 9. Police also announced a ban on firecrackers, guns, and liquor on Jan. 9. Increased petty crime is possible during the event. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will also prohibit sailing within a one-kilometer radius from the Quirino Grandstand from 12:00 Jan. 6-12:00 Jan. 10. Health response teams will also deploy to various locations along the procession route to provide emergency medical services.
Avoid the procession route if not attending due to increased security measures and likely disruptions. Plan for significant transport and business disruptions near event sites. Closely guard valuables in crowded areas. Heed all official security and traffic advisories and remain cooperative if stopped by authorities for security checks.
Traslacion, an annual procession of the 400-year-old statue of the Black Nazarene, is one of the world’s biggest shows of Catholic devotion. The Black Nazarene is a statue of Jesus that was carved in Mexico and arrived in the Philippines in the early 1600s.
