The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday reminded the devotees of the Black Nazarene currently participating in the Traslacion 2026 to be vigilant against pickpockets and thieves taking advantage of the celebration to execute their modus.

The DILG said early reports on the ground confirmed cases of pickpockets and snatchers victimizing unsuspecting devotees practicing their faith. “Wala pong pinipiling panahon ang mga mandarambong kaya po sana ay patuloy po na mag-ingat ang mga deboto na nakikilahok sa Traslacion,” the DILG said.

“Nakabantay po ang PNP ngunit importante din po na tayo ay mag-ingat,” the DILG added.

The DILG reminded the more than 18,000 police officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to heighten vigilance along the route of the Traslacion to deter criminals while continuing to exercise maximum tolerance at all times.

Meanwhile, the PNP said that to avert crimes during the Traslacion 2026, the police organization also deployed plainclothes operatives and intelligence units to counter pickpocketing, theft, scams, and other opportunistic offenses.

Earlier, the DILG said that though there were no threats identified, the PNP and other force multipliers, including the local government units and barangay officials and tanod, are on their toes to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the Traslacion.

Joining the PNP are the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for security, and personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for traffic management and medical emergency response.