PCG to go on ‘heightened alert’ for Nazareno 2023 festivities

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District National Capital Region (NCR) - Central Luzon will be placed on heightened alert from January 7 to 9 to maintain maritime safety and security during the Feast of the Black Nazarene 2023.

The PCG NCR-Central Luzon will conduct maritime safety and security operations along Manila Bay and Pasig River.

The Coast Guard said it will also monitor the Jones Bridge, MacArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Ayala Bridge, and the back area of the Quirino Grandstand.

Commodore Hostillo Arturo Cornelio, PCG NCR-Central Luzon commander, said at least 10 floating assets including fast patrol boat, aluminum boat, rubber boat, rigid hull inflatable boat, and ferry boat will be deployed for the safety of the devotees.

He said the PCG personnel will also conduct underwater inspection on the mentioned areas.

He added several Coast Guard security personnel, medical team, K9 unit, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist will also be deployed in some areas of Manila.

“Dalawang taon ding natigil ang tradisyong ito dahil sa pandemya, kaya inaasahan natin na dadagsa ang mga deboto para makibahagi sa mga aktibidad ng simbahan ngayong taon,” Cornelio said in a statement on Thursday.

(This tradition was stopped for two years due to the pandemic, so we expect more devotees to attend and participate in the church's activities this year.)

The PCG said a “notice to mariners” will also be released to mariners and seafarers for stricter boat and vessel inspection on January 7 to 9.

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu, on the other hand, called for a peaceful celebration of the activities.

"Panawagan lang ho sa ating mga kababayan, manatiling alerto sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Kung may mapapansing kahina-hinalang tao o bagay, ipagbigay-alam lamang po sa otoridad para agad po natin itong maaksyunan,” Abu said.

(We urged our countrymen to stay vigilant and alert at all times. If you notice any suspicious person or something, inform the authorities immediately so that we can take immediate action.)

“Dalangin 'ho natin na maging ligtas ang lahat at maging makabuluhan ang muling pagsasama-sama ng mga Katolikong Pilipino sa mahalagang tradisyon na ito,” he added.

(Let's pray that everyone will be safe and this important tradition will be celebrated meaningfully.)

The Walk of Faith procession, which served as an alternative to the traditional Traslacion, will start from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church on January 8 from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.

The Quiapo Church has been adjusting some activities for the Black Nazarene feast in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlike in the Traslacion, the image of the Black Nazarene would not be exhibited during the Walk of Faith.

Some roads will also be closed to traffic on January 6 and 8 in light of the Nazarene 2023 activities, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).—Richa Noriega/AOL, GMA Integrated News