MANILA, Philippines—The Manila Police District has formed a task force to head the security preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, said spokesperson Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo.
He said the Task Group Nazareno would be headed by Senior Superintendent Fidel Posadas who will lead the 1611 police officers who will be deployed to ensure peace and order during the various activities for the Black Nazarene.
Police will be keeping an eye on the arrival of the Black Nazarene replicas from various localities on Jan. 7 at 2 p.m., the vigil and “pahalik” on Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. which will stretch onto the next day for the mass at 6 a.m. at the Quirino Grandstand, followed by the grand procession.
He said that an estimated eight million devotees were expected to flock to Manila on Jan. 9, revealing last year’s seven million-strong crowd that was part of the procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo.
Police will be on the lookout not only for devotees who may fall ill during the procession but also for criminals like pickpockets who might take advantage of the event to carry out their crimes. Margarejo said that the police arrested several pickpockets at last year’s procession.
There will be 20 medical stations, several ambulances, and fire trucks strategically positioned to provide assistance to devotees in case of emergencies, Posadas said. He explained that eight hospitals in Manila are prepared to admit devotees who may get injured or fall ill during the event.
Last year, some 40 people were taken to hospitals at the height of the procession.
Margarejo added that some 1000 members of crime-watch volunteers have also been tasked to ensure peace and order at the event.
The yearly procession commemorates the first transfer of the Black Nazarene icon to the Minor Basilica in Quiapo in 1767 and is attended by throngs of barefoot devotees.
Many have been injured in past processions, prompting the MPD to intensify its security preparations for the feast this year.