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 Vicente Danao Jr., NCRPO director, said the 20,000 NCRPO and Regional Mobile Force Battalion personnel will augment the 6,000 Manila 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.
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 pag-implement ng minimum health standards. Unlike before, kahit magdikit-dikit ang mga tao, ngayon may problema tayo about sa Covid,” he said.
Churchgoers are required to wear face masks and face shields, and observe physical distancing.
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: