Authorities getting ready for the Feast of the Black Nazarene

MANILA, Philippines—Ahead of the much-sought-for annual religious celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, all concerned authorities from the Quiapo church, police, traffic bureau and medical assistance, have announced Tuesday that their respective plans have all been laid out and their men are ready to be deployed on Monday next week.

Devotees jostle to touch the statue of the Black Nazarene and a cross during a religious festival in Manila on January 9, 2011. The annual festival centers on a black icon of a cross-bearing Jesus Christ, which many Filipinos believe can perform miracles to cure the sick, drive away bad luck and bring prosperity. AFP FILE PHOTO

Speaking before reporters in a press conference at the St. Benedict building in Quiapo Church, Parish Priest Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio said that he was grateful for all the pledges of assistance that they have been receiving months before to help control and manage the anticipated seven-to-eight million devotees who will join the vigil on January 8 until the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene early next day for the Feast Day Procession.

“Kahit kasi weekday ang parade ngayong taon at may pasok, madami ang siguradong pupunta dahil mga deboto na sila ng mahal nating poon Nazareno (Even if the procession this year happens on a weekday and people have work, for sure many will still come because they are devotees of our beloved Nazarene),” Clemente said.

He said this year’s theme, aptly titled “Espiritu ng Ama at ng Panginoong Hesus Nazareno-Samabayanang Pilipino, Ibangon po ninyo,” is important for the reformation of the country after being ravaged by recent killer typhoons.

Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim said that while criminal elements won’t generally attend the procession for a different agenda, he said that appropriate number of police officers from different police departments, along with men from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Bureau of Fire Protection, will be deployed to strategic places from January 7 to January 9.

“Ang security coverage po natin dito ay parang pang inagurasyon ng president (Our security coverage here is like that of the Presidential Inauguration),” he added.

Task Group Nazareno head, Senior Superintendent Fidel Posadas, said that a total of 1,611 policemen will be positioned along the route of the parade during the procession on January 9 to provide necessary security.

“ . . . but we still have 800 more cops and 60 mobile units that will be on standby when situation calls for augmentation,” he said.

At least 40 security cameras within and around the church will also be used, the church priest added.

Meanwhile, Malou Garalde, head of the Feast of the Black Nazarene medical team, said 30 medical stations manned by trained volunteers from various hospitals, non-government organizations in Manila and the Red Cross, will be strategically located along the processional route.

She said 73 ambulances, 26 fire trucks, 110 motorcycles and 304 communication units will also be positioned, adding three medical bases will be constructed to receive reports on medical concerns.

“Our total manpower will be around 1,500,” she said.

Garalde also said that at least 30 portalets will be ready at the Quirino Grandstand and Plaza Miranda for the use of the devotees.

Appeal to devotees

Lim, meanwhile, appeals for the cooperation of the public for the sake of the sanctity of the event.

He said adult devotees are requested to not bring their children to avoid being crunched by the throng of people, or be lost in the huge crowd.

“Wag na din sana tayo magtulakan kasi lahat naman tayo makakalapit. Pero kapag naapakan, magpasensyahan na lang tayo (Let’s not resort to pushing and shoving because we’ll be very crowded. But if someone stepped on you, have patience and be considerate),” he said.

“Let’s maintain peace and order and peace be with you,” Lim added.