Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) undertook on Sunday an audit of all police personnel deployed for tomorrow’s Black Nazarene feast.
55 inspectors from the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police (PNP-IAS) conducted the audit.
The inspectors headed to Quirino Grandstand to check how the police and SWAT forces were performing their duties.
Police personnel were instructed to always be on alert, instead of being busy using their mobile phones.
They must always be equipped with their gun, baton, handcuffs, and flashlights.
Uniforms must always be neat and worn properly, with the badges on and buttons tucked.
The inspectors will also audit personnel stationed at the routes of the Traslacion and in Quiapo.
The inspection aims to ensure the readiness of personnel in intercepting all kinds of harm during the event.
Philippine National Police – Internal Affairs Service Acting Head Leo Angelo Leuterio said the PNP will keep a close eye on their men to ensure they are performing their duties.
“We’ll see to it that they’re doing their jobs well, hindi sila patayo-tayo doon, nagbobolahan lang, nagtetext lang. We’ll see to it that they’re immersed in what they’re doing, they’re focused on what they’re doing,” he said.
He said the PNP will not hesitate to relieve some of their personnel if they’re caught free balling around.
Leuterio admits police doubled up in preparing for this year’s feast.
This comes after PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said a serious security threat is just around the corner.
Related: PNP Chief: There is serious security threat on Black Nazarene feast
“We will be focused and will be more alert than the usual in securing this event,” Leuterio said.
Meanwhile, churchgoers are still flocking the Quiapo church.
Millions of devotees are expected to converge in this area for tomorrow’s festivities.
Authorities admit this is a security nightmare. That’s why they are in full force.
Security remains tight in the area, where SWAT forces with long firearms are patrolling all over the place.
About 5,300 police personnel are deployed all over Quiapo. Supporting them are units from the Special Action Force (SAF) and Civil Disturbance Management (CDM).
650 soldiers will also serve as augmentation force. They have with them high-powered weapons.
Despite heightened security, Leuterio promised that the additional security forces will not hamper the Traslacion procession.
“They’re deployed in strategic places. Their deployments have been closely studied and to see to it that there will be minimum disturbance,” he said.
Authorities say devotees are prohibited from bringing backpacks, caps, and bladed weapons.
As much as possible, they are discouraged from bringing children or elderly relatives along as well.
So far, no untoward incidents have been reported in the area.
The situation is generally peaceful and all is set for tomorrow’s festivities.
CNN Philippines’ Digital Producer Amanda Lingao contributed to this report.
