THE Manila Police District said Monday it will shut down mobile phone signals as part of the security measures during the annual Traslacion or Black Nazarene Procession today, Jan. 9.
“We will have signal jamming, and we are asking for patience from our people since we are considering their safety and security,” MPD spokesman Erwin Margarejo said.
About two-million devotees are expected to join the annual procession in Manila, the police said.
The procession will start at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and end at the Quiapo Church.
In 2017 around 1.4-million people attended the Traslacion, which lasted around 22 hours, one of the longest in the procession’s history.
It will be the 11th time that the procession will start outside Quiapo Church.
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the suspension of classes at all levels and city government work in Manila today.
Estrada said the suspension of work in national government offices in Manila would be left to the decision of their respective heads.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reminded the devotees who are not feeling well to seek immediate help from any of the 14 medical teams deployed along the route of the procession.
“We appeal to the devotees to take care of their health if they are joining the Traslacion. Should you feel any symptom of sickness or suffer an injury as may happen in large crowds, go to our medical teams who are ready to help.” Duque said.
He said all Health Department hospitals will be on ‘Code White’ alert status, which refers to the readiness status of hospital manpower to respond to any emergency situation.
The MPD has also fully deployed its police personnel and said it had not monitored any threats in relation to the Traslacion, which is scheduled to start around 7 a.m. and may last for 17 to 21 hours.
The devotees were also reminded to bring their children during the procession, while those who are pregnant were discouraged from joining.
A liquor ban will also be enforced starting Monday afternoon and ending early Wednesday morning as part of the security measures for the procession.
