PNP: Gun ban in Manila for Black Nazarene feast
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa yesterday imposed a gun ban in Manila a day before and after the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday.
The suspension of all permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFORs) will be in effect from 8 a.m. Sunday until 8 a.m. Tuesday.
“This suspension will have the effect similar to a gun ban imposed during elections and special events wherein only members of the military, police and law enforcement agencies while on duty and in uniform are authorized to bear firearms,” Dela Rosa said in a press conference in Camp Crame.
Security guards who are on duty and in proper uniforms are also allowed to carry firearms during this period. Police and military officers who are not in proper uniform are barred from bringing their firearms, he added.
Dela Rosa said the gun ban is an added security measure to ensure the safety and of the annual procession of the image of the Black Nazarene.
In response to the statement of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno warning of a possible threat from the Maute terrorist group, Dela Rosa said they “have not monitored anything so far,” but he respects Sueno’s pronouncement “because he has other sources.”
He did not discount possible attacks from Islamic State-inspired groups such as Maute and Ansar Al-Khilafah Philipines following the death of one of its leaders, Mohammad Jaafar Maguid and the arrest of its three other members in an operation in Kiamba, Sarangani also yesterday.
Dela Rosa instructed National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde to augment the Manila police and impose necessary adjustments to prevent a terror attack.
“With or without a threat, we have to make sure nothing happens,” he said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines ( AFP) said yesterday it is ready to provide support to the PNP in securing the procession.
Personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force will provide “air, ground and sea” support for the Traslacion, said Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public information office chief.
‘Everything in place’
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Wednesday safety measures are in place for the annual procession.
“There are no problems so far. Everything is in place,” MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said in a phone interview.
Part of the measures is the installation of about 700 barriers at the Quirino Grandstand, from the Ocean Park to P. Burgos. These barriers would serve as guides for devotees during the “pahalik” or kissing of the image of the Black Nazarene.
Two ferry boats and 12 rubber boats will be deployed along Pasig River beneath Jones Bridge, according to Pialago. This is to ensure people who might fall off the bridge are rescued.
“We also have ambulances ready for the event,” she said.
Streets included in the procession will be cleared of objects that might cause injury, such as broken glasses and nails.
The MMDA earlier said about 1,200 traffic enforcers will manage the flow of traffic and guide devotees together with other force multipliers.
The MMDA also released its traffic rerouting scheme for motorists for Jan. 9.
All motorists from north of Manila intending to use the southbound stretch of Bonifacio Drive must turn right at Roberto S. Oca street, left at Delgado, left at 25th street, left at Bonifacio Drive, right at A. Soriano to
Magallanes Drive, right at P. Burgos, straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Avenue.
Vehicles using the northbound lane of Taft Avenue shall turn right at A. Villegas, right at Quezon Bridge to their destination. Motorists coming from the south of Manila intending to use the northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard from T.M. Kalaw to P. Burgos shall turn right at T. M. Kalaw to point of destination.
Vehicles traversing from Quezon City using the stretch of España shall turn right at P. Campa, left at Andalucia, right at Fugoso, left at T. Mapua to point of destination.
Public utility jeeps and light vehicles from España headed to South Pier zone must turn left at Nicanor Reyes, right at C.M. Recto, straight to Jose Abad Santos, left at Reina Regente, left at Juan Luna street, left at San Vicente street and take Jones Bridge.
Vehicles coming from Divisoria to C.M. Recto shall turn right at T. Alonzo, right at Fugoso, left at Reina Regente, left at Juan Luna, left at San Vicente and take Jones Bridge.
Motorists from Legarda shall turn right at C.M. Recto or left at Mendiola to destination. Finally, heavy vehicles, including cargo trucks, from the south of Manila must take Osmeña Highway, right at
Quirino to Nagtahan via A.H. Lacson to Capulong and vice-versa.
Pialago advised motorists to avoid roads included in the procession and take alternate routes.
Elderly urged not to join
The Department of Health (DOH) urged pregnant women and the elderly yesterday not to join the Traslacion.
Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said the weak and the sick should also refrain from joining the procession.
He also advised those intending to join the procession to seek clearance from their doctors to ensure they are fit enough to join.
Based on DOH data, many of those treated for injuries in past processions were those who stumbled and those who have existing medical conditions, Tayag said.
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada placed six city-owned hospitals on alert yesterday to treat devotees who may be hurt during the procession.
They are Sta. Ana Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital.
Officials expect two to three million people to go to the pahalik at the grandstand, which will start at around 5 p.m. Sunday. – With Michael Punongbayan, Mayen Jaymalin, Non Alquitran, Jose Rodel Clapano