Interior and Local Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday morning personally visited Quiapo Church and nearby areas to check on the security and safety preparations for the first Traslacion after the pandemic.

He later expressed satisfaction on the initial preparations of the agencies and groups involved, and thanked them for the stringent security and safety measures being implemented for the religious event.

Abalos also said President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has specific instructions to all concerned national and local officials “to ensure the safety and welfare of the mammoth crowd that is expected to join in the procession of the Black Nazarene on Tuesday (January 9)”.

“Ito po ay talagang mahigpit na ipinagbilin ni Pangulong BongBong Marcos sa amin, sa nasyonal hanggang sa lokal. Kung makikita n’yo po, kumpleto po ngayon ang lahat ng aspeto—security, safety, at medical. Sanib puwersa dito ang national government at ang local,” Abalos told reporters.

Police estimate that the religious event is expected to draw over two million devotees of the Black Nazarene.

With the Secretary during his visit were Philippine National Police Chief Benjamin Acorda, Jr., Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Louie Puracan, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, among others.

“Ito ang unang Traslacion after COVID. We will be expecting more people kung kaya’t ito’y pinaghahandaan natin,” he added.

Abalos also visited the command center, where the key areas of the procession route from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church can be monitored for easier assistance and dispatch when needed.

“This is the government at work. So, detalyado, very comprehensive. Ang masasabi ko hundred percent prepared ang kapulisan, ang AFP, ang Bureau of Fire, ang MMDA, lalo na ang City of Manila,” he said.

The PNP will deploy over 15,000 personnel during the event while several units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other laws enforcement agencies will also help ensure security during the religious gathering.

A “No Fly Zone and No Drone Zone” within the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo Church, as well as the entire route of the procession, was also implemented.

The nearby Manila Bay was also declared as “No Sail Zone” especially near the waters of South Harbor, Manila (near Quirino Grandstand), and even Pasig River.

Likewise, gun ban and liquor ban within the entire city of Manila were also imposed.

Meanwhile, the BFP will also mobilize close to 2,000 personnel to key locations to provide emergency medical services and help respond to any untoward incident that may transpire during the occasion.

“Detalyado at comprehensive [ang plano]. I don’t see anything na magiging problema. Ang masasabi ko, 100% prepared ang kapulisan, ang AFP, ang BFP, MMDA, ang city of Manila,” Abalos stressed.

The City of Manila will also distribute face masks and has prepared nearby clinics and hospitals in case of emergencies.

The DILG Secretary also reminded the devotees to exercise their good judgment before joining the Traslacion and advised them to just stay at home especially if they are feeling unwell.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-visits-Quiapo-Church-says-strict-Traslacion-security-measures-in-place/NC-2024-1003