Make Traslacion 2026 safety top priority, security personnel told

Security and safety personnel tasked to secure the 2026 Traslacion were reminded on Wednesday to make safety their top priority—not only for millions of devotees of the Jesus Nazareno, but also for themselves and their fellow responders.

During a send-off ceremony at the Quirino Grandstand, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Acting Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Brigadier General Manuel Abrugena stressed that protecting lives must take precedence over all other objectives during the annual religious event.

Abrugena urged personnel to remain vigilant about their own health and well-being, reminding them to stay hydrated and strictly observe duty rotations to prevent exhaustion and other medical emergencies.

“Walang tagumpay na katumbas ng isang buhay, maging ito man ay isang deboto o kapwa nating kawani sa gobyerno (No victory is worth even a single life, whether it is that of a devotee or a fellow government employee…” Abrugena said.

"Mag-iingat kayo sa inyong tungkulin na maging ligtas, maayos, at magbalik sa inyong mga pamilya ng ligtas at walang kapahamakan, at magkaroon ng karangalang makapaglingkod sa makabuluhan at banal na pagdiriwang na ito,” he said.

(Be careful in carrying out your duties and remain safe, orderly, and return to your families safely and unharmed, and with the honor of serving this significant and holy celebration.)

He reminded his personnel about the sacredness of the duty they are performing for this year's Feast of Nazareno.

“For Traslacion 2026, remember that you carry not just an assignment, but the trust of millions of devotees and the responsibility of safeguarding one of our nation's most sacred gatherings… In this moment, professionalism is shown not by force but by restraint, not by authority alone but by service,” he said.

He added that professionalism during the Traslacion should be demonstrated through discipline, restraint, and service, noting that security personnel carry the trust of millions of devotees and the responsibility of safeguarding one of the country’s most sacred gatherings.

Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso echoed the call, reminding security forces that self-care is part of their duty as first responders.

“We want a peaceful and successful Traslacion 2026. We are ready, but hindi natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari,” Moreno said.

He stressed the unpredictable nature of large crowds.

He reminded personnel that they have families waiting for them and urged them to look after their own safety while performing their duties in Luneta and across Manila.

Moreno also thanked volunteer groups and uniformed personnel who will be on duty starting from the traditional Pahalik until the end of the Traslacion on Friday.

Authorities said a total of 20,000 personnel will be deployed to secure the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said around 15,000 police officers will be deployed for the Traslacion, including about 800 Hijos police officers.

The Department of Health (DOH) said it will deploy 200 health professionals in 20 health emergency response teams along the Traslacion route, while the Philippine Red Cross will deploy 1,200 volunteers to provide medical and emergency assistance.—MCG, GMA Integrated News