MANILA — Organizers of the annual celebration of the feast of Jesus Nazareno announced that the blessing of replica images and banners (istandarte) will take place on Jan. 3.

Priests who will conduct the blessing are stationed at the Quezon Boulevard footbridge, near the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, with activities starting at 1 p.m., according to a statement Friday.

The church established three entry points for devotees:

• Entrance 1: Rizal Avenue – Carriedo St. – Plaza Miranda, passing through Quezon Boulevard
• Entrance 2: Plaza Lacson – Carlos Palanca – Villalobos St. – Plaza Miranda, passing through Quezon Boulevard
• Entrance 3: Carlos Palanca – Quinta Market – Quezon Blvd. southbound under Quezon Bridge, passing through Quezon Boulevard

Participants are instructed to exit via P. Paterno, Gonzalo Puyat (Raon), and towards Recto Avenue.

Alex Irasga, technical adviser of Quiapo Church, asked devotees who will have their images and banners blessed on Saturday to refrain from bringing them to the Traslacion on Jan. 9 “so as not to interfere with the celebration.”

He added that a special Mass for members of the media, national and local government agencies, and volunteers will be held on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. at Quirino Grandstand.

“For the members of the media, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government unit, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, and medical volunteers … they will be given a chance to touch the image of Jesus Nazareno with their handkerchief or towels,” Irasga said.

Metro Manila-based units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will assist in securing this year’s Traslacion.

“This support is in line with the AFP’s mandate to assist civil authorities in ensuring peace and order, public safety, and the safe and orderly conduct of this significant religious event,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.

Padilla clarified that the police will be in charge of securing the event, while the AFP’s roles will include crowd management assistance, mobility, communications, and rapid response capabilities.