Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) — The Manila Police District (MPD) has reported no untoward incidents as of Sunday evening, as tens of thousands of devotees participate in activities for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Weekend, MPD spokesperson Philipp Ines said there were no serious threats during this year’s Black Nazarene celebrations, except for COVID-19.
“Masasabi nating naging matagumpay ang Walk of Faith at wala namang insidente. Wala pong seryosong banta. Ang banta lang ng COVID-19, kaya nakikiusap kami na magsuot ng face mask at magdala ng alcohol,” Ines said.
[Translation: We can say that the Walk of Faith was a success and there were no incidents. There is no serious threat. The only threat is COVID-19, so we ask you to wear a face mask and bring alcohol.]
As of 6 p.m. on Sunday, the number of devotees attending the Black Nazarene festivities in Quiapo Church and the Quirino Grandstand has reached over 243,000, based on data from the Quiapo Church Operation Center.
Some 6,000 police personnel from the MPD and the National Capital Region Police Office will be deployed for the actual feast day on Monday, Jan. 9, as authorities expect more devotees to join the celebration.
Meanwhile, MDP chief Andre Dizon described the Walk of Faith as peaceful. Around 88,000 devotees took part in the march, which replaced the traditional Traslacion this year. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/1/8/devotees-nazareno-walk-of-faith.html
READ: What to expect in the 2023 Black Nazarene feast celebration sans Traslación
Earlier, rumors circulated on social media that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all its units on the highest alert status due to an alleged “destabilization” plot in the military.
The PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have shot down the rumors.
