PNP to Implement Enhanced Security for Black Nazarene ‘Traslacion’ 2024 in Wake of Marawi Bombing

Quezon City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that it will follow its established security plan for the upcoming Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2024, but with increased vigilance following the recent bombing at Mindanao State University-Marawi. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday, emphasized the importance of stringent surveillance and information validation in light of the security threat.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP will deploy maximum security for the Traslacion, with the entire National Capital Region police force on full alert until the event concludes. The security preparations began with a walkthrough on Saturday, starting from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, located on Quezon Boulevard. Fajardo highlighted that the security measures would not be confined to Quiapo but extend to other areas with similar gatherings.

Fajardo mentioned the range of security preparations, including simulation exercises, communication exercises, and coordination with other agencies and church authorities. The last procession in 2020 attracted around three million participants and followed a shorter route that spanned 16 hours. The traditional Traslacion procession was suspended in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, a ‘Walk of Faith’ replaced the Traslacion, drawing 1.2 million devotees over two days.