MANILA, Philippines — A total of 1,100 personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard will be deployed to bolster security during the Annual Feast of the Black Nazarene’s Traslacion 2025 PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said Monday. 

In a statement on Monday, Gavan said he has directed the Coast Guard District NCR-Central Luzon (CGDNCR-CL) to collaborate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Manila local government to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration.

“We are expecting millions of devotees who will attend the series of activities during Black Nazarene Traslacion 2025. The PCG assists in ensuring public safety and security against possible risks, including terrorism, stampedes, fire within nearby areas, and natural disasters, such as an earthquake during the yearly Catholic commemoration,” Admiral Gavan said.

The deployment, which began on December 30, 2024, will run through January 10, 2025. 

The PCG said the deployment includes specialized units such as Coast Guard K9 teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, Special Operations Groups, Civil Disturbance Management teams, and Deployable Response Groups. 

These teams are strategically positioned at key locations, including Quirino Grandstand, Jones Bridge, and the vicinity of Quiapo Church, the PCG said.

At the same time, the PCG is deploying 21 floating assets to conduct maritime security in the waters of Pasig River and Manila Bay. 

A total of nine land vehicles will carry out roving inspections across the city to maintain order and address potential threats, the PCG said.

Teams of Coast Guard intelligence personnel, crowd control officers, and medical teams will also be present to provide maximum security during the Black Nazarene procession.

“We are one with our Catholic brothers and sisters in celebrating the Annual Feast of the Black Nazarene. The millions of devotees can rest assured that they will have a successful and memorable commemoration through the support of the national government and law enforcement agencies that come together to a common cause – which is to ensure zero-casualty during Traslacion 2025,” Admiral Gavan said.

This is the second time the Quiapo church will hold Traslacion after a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.