Manila gov’t: No vendors allowed in key areas during Traslacion

Thousands of devotees try to touch the image of the Black Nazarene in the Traslacion 2017. (File photo by GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — No vendors will be allowed to sell their goods in key areas including the Traslacion route during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, the local government of Manila announced on Friday.

“Medyo hihigpitan ho talaga natin ‘yong mga vendor kaya no vendor policy ho talaga,” Manila City Administrator Ericson Alcovendaz said after a briefing inside Quiapo Church.

“Lahat ho ng dadaanan [ng Traslacion], pero karamihan naman ho ‘yan narito sa paligid ng simbahan […] Huhulihin po natin, pinahuhuli ho natin sa mga pulis, kaya ho may paki-usap na rin tayo sa ating mga kababayan, sana ho ‘wag na ho nila balakin o tangkain na magtinda,” he added.

He also said that devotees attending the festivities bring their own food and water, thus, reducing the need for vendors.

“Alam niyo ‘yong mga deboto may baon ho silang tubig, may baon ho silang biskwit,” Alcovendaz claimed.

Various government agencies are preparing for the annual Traslacion, which according to the Philippine National Police attracts around two to four million people.

Earlier, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said that they have declared a no-signal, no-fly, no-sail zone in some areas in Manila.

Classes have also been suspended in Manila, along with government work except for those involved in the security preparations.

READ: NCRPO: 7,200 cops to secure Traslacion 2019

No-signal, no-fly, no-sail zones in parts of Manila for Traslacion 2019

Gov’t work, classes in Manila suspended on January 9 for Traslacion

Alcovendaz said that they are also conducting clearing operations on streets where the devotees will pass through during the Traslacion.

“Kahapon galing ho kami sa Dasmariñas, nakita na ho namin ‘yong mga gagawin natin. Dinaanan ho namin itong Echague, itong Carlos Palanca, eh sobra pa ho ‘yong dami ng sasakyan na naka-park,” Alcomendaz explained.

“Binilinan na ho natin ‘yong ating barangay chairman, bukas ho, Sabado, bawal na hong magpark dito sa Carlos Palanca para naman makita natin ng buo ‘yong kalsada.  Ang timeline ho natin, pati ang DPWH, bukas ho tayo mag-uumpisa sa clearing,” he added. /jpv