New queue system set for Nazareno image ‘pahalik’

Organizers of this year's Traslacion have set up a new queue system for the traditional “pahalik” of the image of Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand to ensure a smoother procession this year.

According to Darlene Cay’s Monday report on 24 Oras, the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a walkthrough as part of preparations for the annual Traslacion.

The PNP will deploy over 18,000 personnel, including 1,000 intelligence operatives to monitor the surroundings, and 800 Hijos del Nazareno police who will join the procession itself.

“We have requested the national headquarters to suspend permits to carry firearms outside residences from January 8 to January 10. We also requested signal disruptions from the National Telecommunications Commission during the Traslacion," said Police Major General Anthony Aberin, National Capital Region Police Office chief.

"No-fly zones have also been requested, particularly regarding the use of drones along the route,” he added.

The Quirino Grandstand is in its final preparation as millions of devotees are expected to attend the Misa Mayor and the start of the traditional Traslacion on Friday.

Under the new queue system for the “pahalik,” devotees will have to return to Kalaw Extension after venerating the image of Jesus Nazareno, since Katigbak Drive will be closed.

“Yung ibang deboto, pagbaba ng Katigbak Driveway, hindi na umaalis. Naghihimpil na ron at sila actually yung sumasalubong sa ating andas,” said Alex Irasga, Quiapo Church technical adviser.

(Some devotees do not leave once they are in Katigbak Driveway. They gather there and join the procession from the front.)

Irasga added that the new system is designed to ensure a faster and smoother procession, targeting to finish the Traslacion within 15 hours.

The “pahalik” is a traditional Catholic devotional practice during the Feast of the Nazarene, which involves devotees touching, kissing, or venerating the image of Jesus Nazareno—often by kissing the statue itself or a cloth, towel, or handkerchief that has touched the image.

According to organizers, devotees will be restricted along Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos, Ayala Bridge, Carlos Palanca to Globo de Oro, Solano Street, and Padilla Street until the procession passes.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency will deploy over 1,000 personnel and has prepared rerouting schemes and alternative routes for the Traslacion.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has suspended classes at all levels and government work in the city on Friday. The local government assured that operations related to peace and order, emergency response, and health services will continue.

A liquor ban will be enforced within a 500-meter radius of Quiapo Church and along the Traslacion route. Manila will also implement a total ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of fireworks and firecrackers from January 8 to January 9.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA Integrated News