Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Authorities are preparing strict security and safety measures for the Feast of the Black Nazarene which takes place on Monday, January 9, in Manila.
Safety measures for the Traslacion are being tripled because of intelligence reports that Mindanao-based rebel groups could pose a threat to the annual event, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno said in a briefing Thursday.
He said the recent killing of Mohammed Jaafar Maguid, leader of the Ansar Al-Khalifah, and the arrest of three others in Sarangani province could provoke the group to retaliate. The rebel group has pledged allegiance to the terrorist group, Islamic State or ISIS.
Sueno said the general security level nationwide is on full alert because of recent attacks in Mindanao.
About 18 million people are expected to participate in the Traslacion.
However, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde said there is no threat specifically targeting the Traslacion.
“As far as security is concerned, we have not received any imminent threat or any clear or present danger,” he said.
He said the NCRPO is maintaining a high security alert in Metro Manila to avoid any violent spillover from the rebel and terror groups in Mindanao. Over 4,100 uniformed personnel will provide security at the Traslacion. More personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the local government, and volunteers will beef up the security force.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Thomas Orbos said 1,200 personnel will provide medical assistance, manage traffic rerouting, crowd control, waste disposal.
Other offices such as the Department of Health, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Office of Civil Defense, AFP Joint Task Force-NCR, and other local government units in Manila will also be on hand.
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada suspended classes and work in some government offices on January 9. He urged devotees to cooperate to ensure a clean and peaceful procession.
“I wish to appeal to the people and to all establishments where the Traslacion will pass to cooperate and to help make sure the procession will go smoothly,” he said.
