‘Perceived threats’ to hasten Traslacion 2020 —NCRPO

The conduct of the annual procession of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church will be hastened due to perceived threats, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Brigadier General Debold Sinas said Monday.

In a press briefing, Sinas said the new arrangement of the procession, where security forces will block the front and the sides of the image, aims to speed up the Traslacion this year.

“Ito ang plano na gagawin namin. Because of the perceived threats, kailangan nating madaliin,” he said.

However, he clarified that these are not actual threats.

Last week, authorities apprehended suspected local extremist Datu Omar Palty, alias Allan Palte, 26 years old, who was allegedly the "point man" of a terror group in Metro Manila.

Palty was believed to be a former member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter under the Bungos faction.

He was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and illegal possession of explosives.

However, Sinas pointed out that the involvement of the suspect to such activity is still under investigation and not yet confirmed.

According to Sinas, the devotees who are obstructing the front and the sides of the procession cause delay in the activity.

Church officials also said that the shorter route and, possibly, shorter duration of the procession are all for the safety of the devotees.

In total, Sinas said around 16,000 security forces will ensure the security of the annual procession.

Aside from the police, personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail and Management Penology, and Philippine Coast Guard will also help secure the area.

At least 2,000 security personnel will focus on securing the andas. —LDF, GMA News