MPD to shut down cellular signals in parts of Manila during Traslacion

The Manila Police District (MPD) on Monday said it will shut down mobile phone signals as part of security measures during the annual Traslacion or Black Nazarene Procession on January 9.

"On the day itself magkakaro'n po ng signal jamming at kami po ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa ating mga mamamayan considering na ang kinokonsidera po natin dito 'yung safety at security," MPD spokesperson Police Superintendent Erwin Margarejo said in an interview on Unang Balita.

Margarejo said they have also fully deployed their police personnel, adding that they have not monitored any threats in relation to the Traslacion, which is scheduled to start around 7 a.m. and may last for at least 17 to 21 hours.

READ: Route of Traslacion 2018

"Sa ngayon wala po, in relation dito po sa Traslacion at hindi lang naman threats 'yung tinitingnan natin. Aside from that, tinitingnan po natin 'yung petty crimes na pwedeng maganap like pickpocket, snatching, kapag nalasing, 'yung fistfight," he said.

While they have not monitored any crimes over the last 24 hours, Margarejo said two suspected snatchers were arrested at Quiapo Church in the past few days.

"Well over the 24 hours wala no, pero last few days meron no. 'Yung snatcher nahuli sa Quiapo Church mismo, pero apparently arrested 'yung dalawang suspect," he said.

Devotees were also reminded once again not to bring their children during the procession while those who are pregnant were also discouraged from joining. —Marlly Rome Bondoc/KG, GMA News