MANILA, Philippines — This year’s day-long procession of the Black Nazarene or Traslacion will cross Ayala Bridge over Pasig River in Manila instead of last year’s Jones Bridge, the Quiapo parish priest said Thursday.
Citing recommendations of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Fr. Ding Coronel said Ayala Bridge was the safest and most durable route for the day-long procession.
“Ang ruta natin sa ika-9 na Enero ay sa Ayala Bridge, ito ang pinaka-safe kasi recently sinama kami sa inspection ng tulay sa Del Pan, Jones, McArthur, Quezon at ‘yung pinakamatibay ay ‘yung Ayala Bridge,” Coronel told reporters at the Manila Police District.
For the procession last year, the Black Nazarene carriage traversed Jones Bridge, which recently reopened after it underwent repairs this November.
Coronel also noted that the hijos and organizers of the procession sought for a “solemn” and orderly Traslacion 2020.
No-signal, suspension to carry firearms
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said they will request telecommunication services to implement a no-telecom signal zone during the procession.
“It was agreed na ituloy pa rin yung iputol yung telcos, so we are requesting the telcos na at the 8th pa lang iputol na after matapos yung Traslacion (We should continue the tradition to impose no-signal during the parade. So we requested the telcos that as early as Jan. 8, it will be no signal zone until the parade ends),” Sinas said.
Sinas said they are also eyeing to suspend the permit to carry firearm during the “Pahalik” or kissing of the image of Black Nazarene until the end of the religious parade.