Gun ban in effect in Manila from January 8 to 10

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will impose a gun ban in Manila from January 8 to 10 as part of the police force's full security plan for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno this year, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Tuesday.

Nartatez said he has ordered the strict enforcement of the suspension of permits to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) from Thursday to Saturday.

“We have been coordinating with the City Government of Manila to achieve a specific goal, which is to ensure that this religious activity will be peaceful and orderly, similar to what the PNP has done over the years,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“We’ve been doing this for years, but we don’t want to lower our guard. Every year presents new security challenges, and every year we continue to improve our security operations,” he added.

A liquor ban will also take effect in Manila on January 9.

The use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials is likewise prohibited in the city, according to the PNP.

Areas covered by the activity will be declared no-fly zones.

Cell phone signal jammers will also be utilized to prevent potential threats and disruptions that may be carried out through mobile communication devices, the PNP said.

A total of 18,212 uniformed personnel will be deployed for the Traslacion, or the procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno. These include 12,268 personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office, with additional augmentation from other police units.

Security coverage will focus on three major areas: Quirino Grandstand, the entire procession route, and Quiapo Church.

The Traslacion, held annually on January 9, commemorates the arrival of the image of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Lord Jesus the Nazarene) from Acapulco, Mexico to the Philippines in the 1600s, as well as its transfer from Bagumbayan (old Intramuros) to Quiapo Church–St. John the Baptist Parish in 1767.

Last year’s procession lasted 20 hours and 45 minutes and was attend—MCG, GMA Integrated News