AFP bares security plans for Black Nazarene procession

JUST like last year, signal jammers will be installed along the key routes of the procession of the Black Nazarene (Translacion), in time for the celebration of the annual feast on January 9.

According to Colonel Llewelyn Binasoy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the installation of signal jammers is part of the measures to be implemented during the 2017 Traslacion.

"As part of security preparations of Traslacion 2017, all areas, route of procession there would be no signals so I hope you understand it is part of the security preparations," he said Wednesday in a media briefing for the annual event.

The military official noted that the areas in Manila where the mass and procession will be held will be declared as a "no fly zone" even for drones.

"We ask from media and public not to have their drones in the air," he said.

Binasoy said that AFP personnel will also be deployed in Rizal Park, Quiapo and at the route of the procession to provide security and to help maintain peace and order.

On the other hand, Ensign Mozart Cumbe of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) appealed to the public, especially those who will be joining the procession, to refrain from jumping off the Jones Bridge, part of the Traslacion route going to the Basilica (Quiapo church).

Cumbe noted that those who will be caught under the bridge by PCG's river marshal and Philippine National Police (PNP) maritime police will be investigated.

"Sila ay iimbestigahan ng ating river marshals at PNP maritime police. Kung hindi talaga maiwasan mahulog o tumalon. Nandyan ang PCG sa ilalim para antabayanan sila," he added.

Cumbe said the incidents of people jumping off the bridge have decreased in recent years.

Millions of Black Nazarene devotees are expected to join the Traslacion on Monday, which will start at the Quirino Grandstand and will end at the Basilica. (FP/Sunnex)