Good weather seen; Traslacion terror watch on
Apart from passing light rains, good weather is expected to prevail in Metro Manila during the annual Traslacion or Black Nazarene procession on Tuesday.
Authorities also have not monitored any terror threat but are not being complacent. No weather disturbance is
expected to affect the country in the next five days, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
“Good weather, cool and windy. If ever, there will only be passing light rains (on Jan. 9),” PAGASA marine meteorological service section chief Rene Paciente said yesterday.
Officials, meanwhile, are choosing to be cautious.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde cited the job of protecting the millions of devotees during the Traslacion.
Albayalde earlier said there are no terror threats to the holding of the annual event.
However, there is still the possibility of a lone wolf attack to disrupt the annual religious event.
“We are not discounting that possibility, that’s why we are not relaxing,” Albayalde said.
Officials estimated that 18.9 million devotees would join the Black Nazarene activities from Dec. 31 until Jan. 9.
Albayalde said plainclothes policemen and snipers will be deployed to secure the route of the procession.
He said the military and agents of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) will be deployed along with their police counterparts to secure the event.
While security measures have been put in place, Albayalde said they are not letting their guard down.
“We are 100 percent prepared but we can’t say it’s foolproof,” he said.
At least 5,613 uniformed police officers will be deployed for the procession, augmented by troops from the military under Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Joint Task Force National Capital Region.
The Philippine Red Cross, on the other hand, would deploy 2,000 medical personnel and volunteers to provide first aid during the Traslacion.
Another part of security preparations is the use of drones to monitor the movements of people.
Albayalde reminded the public that the Manila City government will impose a gun ban and a liquor ban from Jan. 8 to 10.
This means permits to carry firearms are suspended during the period.
Albayalde also urged the public to do their share.
“We are also encouraging the devotees to be vigilant and aware of suspicious-looking persons,” he said.
Quiapo Church parochial vicar Fr. Douglas Badong also urged veteran devotees to serve as guides.
“They have responsibility to usher the new ones to this devotion. They should not just simply watch them. They could be confused as devotees and fanatics are both here. It is therefore the role of the veterans to provide proper guidance,” Badong said.
Millions of devotees are expected to join the procession of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9 as it traverses the route from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.