20,000 cops to secure, control crowd in Black Nazarene feast

MANILA---The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy 20,000 policemen beginning Friday, January 8, 2021, to secure devotees and enforce health protocols during the novena masses and “pagpugay” in celebration of the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Brigadier General Mobile Force Battalion Vicente Danao Jr., personnel will NCRPO director, said the augment the 6,000 Manila 20,000 NCRPO and Regional District Police personnel and Special Action Force (SAF) personnel, who have been deployed since December 22, 2020.

There will be no “traslacion” or grand procession this year to minimize the risk of transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Authorities have also agreed to skip the “pahalik” or kissing of the image and will instead hold “pagpugay” or paying tribute and viewing the image on Saturday, January 9, 2021.

Instead of the procession, more masses will be held in the Quiapo church and nearby Sta. Cruz and San Sebastian Church on January 9. ADVERTI SEM EN T Church authorities will also install 14 prayer stations, where people can also pray, in the vicinity of the Quiapo Church.

Only 30 percent of the seating capacity of the Quiapo Church is allowed to attend the masses in compliance with community quarantine rules.

Novena

masses, which began on December 31, 2020, are being held until January 9.

As many devotees are still expected to troop to Quiapo Church and other Manila churches on Saturday, Danao reminded the people to be mindful against Covid-19.

“Isa sa mga challenge ngayon ay ang pagimplement ng minimum health standards. Unlike before, kahit magdikitdikit ang mga tao, ngayon may problema tayo about sa Covid,” he sai d.

Churchgoers are required to wear face masks and face shields, and observe physical dist anci ng.

No vendors will be allowed in the vicinity of Quiapo Church.

Backpacks and colored canisters are not allowed.

The following roads will be closed to traffic beginning 10 p.m. of January 8:

* Southbound lane of Quezon Blvd. (Quiapo) from A. Mendoza/ Fugoso St. to Carlos Palanca St.

* Northbound lane of Quezon Blvd from Carlos Palanca St. to Fugoso St.

* Westbound lane of España Boulevard from P. Campa to A Mendoza St.

* Stretch of Evangelista St. from P. Paterno St. to Recto Ave.

* Stretch of Palanca St.fromCarriedo/Plaza Lacson to P. Casal Street

The stretch of Ronquillo Street from Rizal Avenue to Plaza Sta. Cruz and Bustos Street from Plaza Sta Cruz to Rizal Avenue will be closed to traffic starting 12 midnight of January 9. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/ SunStar Philippines)