Pickpockets target devotees during Traslacion 2026

Some devotees of the Jesus Nazareno fell victim to pickpockets during the 2026 Traslacion on Friday. . 

In a report on Super Radyo dzBB, Manny Vargas said Samuel, a 59-year-old devotee, lost his wallet containing his identification cards and money. 

#Nazareno2026: Andas ng Poong Jesus Nazareno, nasa bahagi na ng Ayala Boulevard. | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/xgm21vfHwN

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 8, 2026

The suspects allegedly blended in with the mammoth crowd during the grand procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno.

A vlogger also lost his phone while trying to climb the andas, Super Radyo dzBB reported.

GMA Integrated News' cameraman Jojo Quibral almost became a victim to pickpockets

In a report on Balitanghali, Jun Veneracion said Quibral recovered his phones after the suspects dropped the stolen devices.

In a statement, the Department of the Interior and Local Government also reminded the public to remain vigilant as authorities confirm several devotees falling victim to snatchers and pickpockets amid the procession.

“Wala pong pinipiling panahon ang mga mandarambong kaya po sana ay patuloy po na mag-ingat ang mga deboto na nakikilahok sa Traslacion… Nakabantay po ang PNP ngunit importante din po na tayo ay mag-ingat,” the DILG said in their statement.

DILG said earlier that there had been no threats identified for the 2026 Traslacion.

PNP said that they have deployed more than 18,000 police officers to keep devotees safe and secure throughout the celebration.

The Traslacion started at 4 a.m.after the andas carrying the image of Jesus Nazareno departed the Quirino Grandstand

According to the Quiapo Church, the Traslacion will traverse the following roads:

• From Quirino Grandstand
• Left to Katigbak Drive
• Right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road
• Straight to Ayala Boulevard
• Left to Palanca
• Right to Quezon Boulevard
• Right to Arlegui Street
• Right to Fraternal Street
• Right to Vergara Street
• Left to Duque de Alba Street
• Left to Castillejos Street
• Left to Farnecio Street
• Right to Arlegui Street
• Left to Nepomuceno Street
• Left to Concepcion Aguila Street
• Right to Carcer Street
• Right to Hidalgo Street through Plaza del Carmen
• Left to Bilibid Viejo through Gil Puyat
• Right to Z. P. de Guzman Street
• Right to Hidalgo Street
• Left to Quezon Boulevard
• Right to Palanca Street through under Quezon Bridge
• Right to Villalobos Street through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church

The Traslacion can be checked here: LIVE TRACK: Nazareno 2026 Traslacion and here: LIVE - Nazareno 2026 - A GMA Integrated News Special Coverage

Meanwhile, tensions rose at the start of the procession after Hijos shove away some youth devotees who attempted to climb and touch the andas while it was traversing the intersection of Roxas Boulevard and Padre Burgos Street.

From Katigbak drive, it took more than two hours for the andas to reach Finance Road due to some devotees walking against the flow. Some participants also climbed trees and street posts to see the image.

Some devotees were trampled by the crowd including Angel, who said that despite the incident he will still attend Traslacion next year because of his devotion.

Garbage collectors, meanwhile, started cleaning on the routes the andas already passed through. —Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News