Malacañang on Wednesday assured the public that government agencies are on full alert for Friday’s Traslacion 2026, one of the country’s largest religious gatherings that draws millions of devotees to the streets of Manila.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had ordered public safety agencies to ensure that the annual procession of the Black Nazarene remains peaceful, orderly and meaningful.
“Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na panatilihing payapa at makabuluhan ang idiraos na Traslacion, nakaalerto ang puwersa ng PNP, DILG at ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno upang siguruhin ang kaligtasan ng mga dadalo,” Castro said during a Palace media briefing.
Marcos earlier declared January 9 a special nonworking day in Manila in observance of the Feast of Hesus Nazareno.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said 18,212 uniformed personnel will be deployed across key areas, including the Quirino Grandstand, the entire procession route and Quiapo Church, the final destination of the revered image.
Acting PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed officers to remain alert, calm and humane in managing the massive crowd.
Authorities will also impose no-fly zones, deploy cellphone signal jammers and strictly enforce safety protocols.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded devotees to avoid bringing prohibited items, including sharp objects, fireworks, glass containers and firearms, in line with the gun ban in the capital.