NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Oscar Albayalde ensured on Sunday, January 7, the preparedness of the police forces in securing the events related to the feast of the Black Nazarene.
Albayalde said over 5,000 policemen will be fielded within the six-kilometer stretch of the Traslacion on Tuesday, January 9, which will start at the Quirino Grandstand going to the Quiapo Church.
"Ready na po for deployment ang ating mga kapulisan. Lahat po'y plantsado na, everything is in place na," said Albayalde.
He said troops from the PNP-Special Action Force will also be deployed to serve as observers but they will also be in-charge of the operation of the drone and the positioning of the snipers in several areas.
He said they are yet to monitor any terror threat for the event, adding that intelligence operations is ongoing to prevent any such eventualities.
Albayalde, however, said there is a big possibility that cellphone signals within the one-kilometere radius of the routes of the Traslacion will be switched-off as part of their security measures. He said that they are still communicating with the National Telecommunication Office.
"Alam po natin na ‘yung pag-papasabog po ng IED (improvised explosive device), iyang gamit usually d'yan ay mga cellphone signals," he said.
"Most probably matuloy po iyan (signal jam) although wala pang desisyon," he added.
Albayalde also said a 36-hour liquor ban will take effect within the 200-meter radius of the procession routes. It will start on January 8 at 6 p.m. until 5 a.m. of January 10.
The police will also impose a 48-hour gun ban in the said areas from 12 midnight of January 8 until the midnight of January 10.
Manila Disaster Office director Johnny Yu said the Jones Bridge will be closed particularly to bystanders on the day of the procession to ensure the safety of the devotees who will join the Traslacion.
"Kaya naman niyang (tulay) i-withstand ang weight ng mga tao. Pero ngayon, mayroon tayong binagong regulaton -- na walang mag-iistambay. Puwedeng daanan, pero walang istambay muna doon sa bridge," he said.
"Ang mangyayari niyan, bago dumating ang andas, wala nang nakaistambay sa bridge. Pagdaan ng andas, saka nila bubuksan iyan para tuloy-tuloy ang takbo ng andas," he added.
In the previous conduct of the event, several people were reported to have been fallen from the bridge.
Yu also said 26 medical stations along the route of the Traslacion will be prepositioned to provide immediate medical attention if necessary.
He said an average of 500 devotees each year are being attended to by the medical teams due to several reasons such as heat stroke, dehydration, and over fatigue.
Albayalde reminded the public not to bring large amount of money and expensive items such as jewelries and gadgets. He also urged the devotees to place their things in a transparent bag to make it easier for the security personnel to inspect their things.
Albayalde said going in the events with small children should also be avoided.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Metro Manila may experience light to moderate rain on Tuesday.
The NCRPO said as of 12 p.m., Sunday, January 7, the crowd estimate in Quiapo Church is 45,000.
Over 18.9 million devotees are expected to join the events of the feast of the Black Nazarene. (SunStar Philippines)