Black Nazarene procession may be called off if cops find credible security threats

Workers put the finishing touches to decorations outside Quiapo Church ahead of the Feast of the Black Nazarene procession on Jan. 9. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Organizers of the Black Nazarene Feast are not ruling out the possibility of canceling the grand procession on Jan. 9 if they find credible security threats.

“In the event that there is a threat reported to us, then that is the time we will act on it,” Manila Police District director, Supt. Joel Coronel, told reporters on Thursday.

He said their recommendation of a possible cancellation would depend on the assessment or evaluation to be made by the intelligence committee.

“It will be subject to the approval of the organizers and the executive committee,” he added.

Coronel, however, was quick to add that so far, there was no clear and present threat to the event.

“As of now, we have no actual, direct or imminent threat indicating [a] clear and present danger to the ‘traslacion.’ So, it’s a go,” he said.

Plans A and B

Under the worst case scenario, Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Fr. Douglas Badong told reporters: “We have Plan A and Plan B. We are ready depending on the scenario.”

Authorities said they were taking all necessary steps to secure all venues of the festivities and activities.

Coast Guard spokesperson Capt. Armand Balilo said there would be 38 water crafts deployed for the event.

The Coast Guard will also be implementing a “no sail zone” in areas near the Quirino Grandstand, he added. It will also deploy boats to areas under bridges where the procession will pass through.

Coronel said they would be implementing a temporary gun ban in the city from midnight of Jan. 8 until midnight of Jan. 10 with all permits to carry firearms suspended for 48 hours.

He added that he had also submitted a recommendation to the mayor for a temporary ban on the sale and distribution of liquor and alcoholic beverages from 6 p.m. of Jan. 8 up to 6 a.m. of Jan. 10.

Citing safety considerations, organizers made slight changes in this year’s route.

Alex Irasga, who is part of the organizing committee, said the traslacion would veer away from Lagusnilad Bridge and pass through Katigbak Drive toward the westbound lane of P. Burgos Street.