The City of Manila is preparing for the return of the full celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene next week.
In preparation for the procession, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared this coming Tuesday (January 9) as a special non-working day for the capital city to anticipate traffic congestion and rerouting along the route of the procession and in the vicinity of Quiapo Church. The localized holiday would also give Catholics in Manila a "full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration," according to the proclamation published by the Malacañang dated Thursday (January 4).
The procession from Manila's chief public square of Luneta to Quiapo Church was to commemorate the transfer of a copy of the Spanish-era image of the suffering Jesus from Manila's Old City to its current shrine at some point in the 17th or 18th century.
Read Also : China Designates Patrols in Disputed South China Sea Amid Philippines, US Joint Military Drills
Police, Medical Staff Beefed Up for Procession
Around 15,000 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) across Metro Manila would be deployed to secure the procession, which would be expected to draw millions of Catholic devotees from across the archipelago.
Sunstar Philippines also reported that Manila hospitals have been placed on high alert to ensure hospital readiness to provide medical services to those participating in the celebration.
Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa also told local media that ambulance and triage teams would be placed in several key locations along the procession route.
In previous processions - where rowdy commotions around the image were commonplace - several devotees have been rushed to hospital for physical injuries and breathing problems, some of which have resulted in death.
Although transparent bags are allowed, authorities have also urged participants to avoid bringing umbrellas, pyrotechnics, water tumblers, and bags or backpacks. The wearing of hoodies, sweatshirts, and headgear is also discouraged.
Intoxicated individuals and vendors would also be prohibited along the procession route.
Church officials have also discouraged devotees from climbing the carriage carrying the image to allow people to see it from a distance.
