Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) — The Manila Police District (MPD) on Tuesday said this year’s celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene has been peaceful so far.
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ New Day, MPD spokesperson PMaj Philipp Ines said the start of the Traslacion, which was around 4:45 a.m., was orderly as thousands of devotees joined the procession and tried to get a glimpse of the image of the Black Nazarene.
As of 7 a.m., the Quiapo Church Command Post estimated that 830,000 people have joined the procession, while 11,500 were at the Quiapo Church.
Ines said they expect more people to join the celebration as this will be the first Traslacion after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 16,000 security personnel were deployed along the route of the procession, which includes those from the regions, he added.
