2,000 police deployed in Manila amid Traslacion 2022 cancellation

The Manila Police District (MPD) has deployed around 2,000 personnel at various checkpoints leading to Quiapo Church to ensure that no devotees of the Black Nazarene gather despite the cancellation of Traslacion 2022.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, MPD Director Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco said that streets in the vicinity of the church are closed, such as Carriedo, Hidalgo, Raon, Villalobos, Palanca, Evangelista, Rizal Avenue, and Quezon Boulevard.

“Kaya mga 2,000 police ang ating dineploy para ma-cover natin ‘yung seguridad at mapaalalahanan natin na talagang bawal na bawal ang kumpulan ngayon dahil sa sitwasyon natin,” he stressed.

(That’s why we have deployed about 2,000 police so that we can cover the security and remind the people that they are not allowed to gather today because of our COVID-19 situation.)

Francisco added that aside from road closure and inner security in the Quiapo Church area, they have also established four outer security points. The National Capital Region Police District (NCRPO) also has regional boundaries in Region III and Region IV-A.

He said that the 2,000 police are divided into three shifts per six hours to ensure their maximum physical capacity in guarding the checkpoints.

Those who were also deployed do not have symptoms for COVID-19, he said. There are however medical stations, doctors, and ambulances on standby in case they feel unwell.

“Ako magre-request immediately after this ay ipa-antigen ang ating kapulisan,” he added.

(I will request immediately after their shifts for the deployed police to undergo antigen testing.)

Francisco said that the checkpoints will continue until 10 p.m. and thus asked motorists to look for alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion. 

“Sa ngayon naman, matahimik ang kabuuan ng Quiapo area particularly ‘yung pagdiriwang ng ating Feast of Black Nazarene,” he added.

(Right now, it is peaceful here in the Quiapo area, particularly the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged the suspension of mass gatherings, including the traditional Traslacion and the mass for the Black Nazarene, due to the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the country.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said that online masses would proceed to mark the Catholics' observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene even if devotees are banned from the Quiapo Church. — Giselle Ombay/BM, GMA News