Cops impose strict security measures around Quiapo church

As part of efforts to impose health protocols amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, residents and employees were instructed to present identification cards at a PNP checkpoint at the corner of Carlos Palanca Street and Ayala Boulevard near Quiapo church early Friday morning.

Numerous devotees usually attend the novena masses that lead to the celebration of the feast day of the Black Nazerene on Jan. 9.

In the report of Luisito Santos for Super Radyo's DZBB, the people who had wanted to attend Mass at the church were prevented to enter the compound after roads were closed days before the annual Feast of Black Nazarene to bar devotees from gathering.

Authorities placed plastic barriers to block roads near the church such as Hidalgo and Villalobos Streets.

Policemen also started guarding Rizal Avenue and Carriedo  to prevent devotees from entering the closed roads.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has asked for the deployment of police officers at Quiapo Church on January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene to help implement crowd control as devotees are expected to arrive in droves.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra delivered Advincula's message to President Rodrigo Duterte during the Talk to the People on Thursday.

A senior citizen, who wanted to hear mass, was prevented to proceed to the church after in-person celebration of the Mass has been suspended.

WATCH: Isang senior citizen na magsisimba sana sa Quiapo Church ang pinigilang makadaan ng mga pulis sa Carlos Palanca St. dahil bawal muna ang pagdalo sa pisikal na misa @dzbb pic.twitter.com/7YLLdGCFOt

— Luisito Santos (@luisitosantos03) January 6, 2022

A family, coming from Pasig City, were also prevented from proceeding to the church.

WATCH: Isang pamilya na galing Pasig City, hindi pinayagang makapasok sa Carlos Palanca St., para magsimba ss Quiapo Church ngayong 1st friday ng taon @dzbb pic.twitter.com/yFrlUJqs21

— Luisito Santos (@luisitosantos03) January 6, 2022

Cardinal Advincula on Thursday appealed for the devotees' understanding and cooperation over the cancellation of this year’s traditional Traslacion, and physical masses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advincula said that he understands the devotees’ desire to attend the traditional procession and masses in Quiapo Church for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

“Humihingi kami ng paumanhin at pang-unawa na dahil sa pandemya hindi natin maisasagawa ang mga tradisyonal na gawain kapag kapistahan ng Poong Hesus Nazareno,” he said in a statement released on Wednesday.

(We apologize and understand that due to the pandemic we will not be able to conduct the traditional activities during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.) -- BAP, GMA News