AFP to deploy 500 soldiers for Black Nazarene procession

Devotees attend mass before the grand procession of the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, Manila, January 9, 2017. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will deploy 500 of its soldiers to assist in the security of the Feast of Black Nazarene on Jan. 9.

Newly installed Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said the troops would augment the security of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP will deploy 5,000 of its forces to maintain security and order throughout the Traslacion, the procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

The hours-long Feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the largest gatherings of Catholic devotees in the country.

Arrojado said they have not monitored any terror threat related to the feast.

“Except for the usual criminalities in my capacity as JTF-NCR, wala pa naman (none yet) unless kung meron (if there is) we will be prepared for it,” he said.

He said the task force would provide intelligence and forward it to the PNP or the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“Coordinative lang kami (We will only coordinate). If kailangan kami mag lead (If we are needed to lead) then it will come,” he said.