No threat to Black Nazarene feast – PNP

Filipino devotees carry the image of the Black Nazarene for its annual procession to celebrate its feast day Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 in Manila, Philippines. The raucous celebration drew tens of thousands of devotees in a barefoot procession around Manila streets. AP FILE PHOTO

THERE are no threats to the Feast of the Black Nazarene which is expected to draw a million of devotees in the city of Manila, the Philippine National Police said on Monday.

However, intelligence units of the PNP will continue to monitor possible dangers that could mar the annual observance of the Black Nazarene’s feast day which is held every January 9.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, said the unit to lead the site security task group will be the Manila Police District headed by its district director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana.

Mayor said the security will be done in coordination with the local government and religious groups that will take part in the celebration.

“They will be supported by some personnel from National Capital Region Police Office and (other) district offices,” he said.

According to MPD spokesperson Supt. Marissa Bruno, augmentation forces will be coming from the Special Action Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Additional forces from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Manila Health Office and force multipliers from several villages will also arrive.

“As of this time, no threat has been monitored. Continuous monitoring will be conducted by intelligence units to ensure the safety and security of the devotees,” Mayor added.