Keeping the procession safe

Security officials disagree on the threat posed by the Maute terrorist group on the Black Nazarene procession on Monday. The Philippine National Police nevertheless is taking no chances and is acting on reports that certain members or sympathizers of the Islamic State-inspired group are now in Metro Manila and may attempt to disrupt the largest religious procession in the country.

Black Nazarene devotees are unlikely to be scared by any security threat. Still, it will be prudent for devotees to heed the advice of those tasked to keep watch during the event, whose preliminary activities will start today. Young children are best kept out of the parade. So are those who are debilitated by illness or advanced age and may be overwhelmed by the heat and the crush of the massive crowd that traditionally turns out for the event.

People who may find it difficult to disengage themselves from such a huge crowd can watch the procession along the designated routes instead of joining the hours- long walk. Replicas of the Black Nazarene will be paraded starting tomorrow.

More important, amid the warnings issued by security officials, is for people to maintain utmost vigilance. Participants and bystanders alike must assist security authorities in ensuring that the procession will be safe. Any suspicious package left unattended must be reported immediately to authorities.

Extremist security threats were also reported during the visit of Pope Francis in January 2015. But despite the enormous crowds wherever he went, no untoward incidents were reported. Everyone did his or her part in keeping not only the pontiff but also the devotees safe. This can be done again during the Nazarene procession, regardless of the threat level posed by any group.