MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is turning its full security attention to the upcoming Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, following the conclusion of Christmas and New Year’s deployments.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Sunday that visibility and intelligence monitoring have been intensified ahead of the annual religious event, which is expected to draw millions of devotees to Quiapo, Manila.

Police officers began deployments on January 2 for Masses, community visits in Quiapo, and the blessing of Nazareno replicas. An estimated 15,000 to 18,000 officers will be deployed across Manila and nearby areas, with reinforcements coming from Police Regional Offices in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

Coordination with the Manila city government, Quiapo Church, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and other agencies has been ongoing for the past two months, Nartatez said. Medical teams and specialized police units will also be on standby.

The PNP urged the public to cooperate with authorities and follow safety guidelines, particularly during the Traslacion procession. Authorities reported no monitored threats linked to the celebration.

“Every year has a different security challenge but the objective remains the same: to ensure the safety of the millions of devotees and maintain peace and order during the annual religious activity. Your PNP is ready, but we still ask for vigilance and cooperation from the public to achieve our goal,” Nartatez said.

(PNA)