WHO LET THE DOGS OUT? Policemen keep a tight watch on the Quiapo church ahead of the Jan. 9 “Traslacion.”–MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday said more than 13,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure the security of participants of the annual Traslacion of the Black Nazarene in the streets of Manila.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy 13,624 policemen “to guarantee that all bases are covered” and to fully implement their security measures.
“This annual display of faith is expected to attract thousands of believers kaya naman siniguro namin na makakaagapay tayo sa pagtitiyak ng seguridad ng lahat [to ensure that public is safe],” Año said.
Previously, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced that over 10,000 police officers will be deployed for the annual procession or “Traslacion” of the Black Nazarene. Some 1,500 police personnel are tasked to guard the front and sides of the “andas” or carriage of the Black Nazarene image.
PNP’s data showed that 2,144 policemen under the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Special Action Force will help secure the “andas” while 1,065 from the Eastern Police District will be handling crowd control and 1,206 from the National Capital Region Police Office Headquarters will be fielded at the Quiapo Church.
Año also noted that 10 firetrucks from the Bureau of Fire Protection and three water assets from the Philippine Coast Guard are stationed near the procession route to respond to any possible fire incidents.