Manila: Around 200 police officers will participate in the annual Traslacion on January 9, the centerpiece of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. At a press conference on Monday, Alex Irasga, technical adviser of Quiapo Church, stated that these officers, who are also devotees, will serve not in their official capacity but as 'hijos' of the Nazareno.
According to Philippines News Agency, the police officers will wear special uniforms featuring the image of the Nazarene and the words 'Pulis ng Panginoon' while performing a special duty-assisting in securing the andas while monitoring the crowd. "They would not be performing their duties at the procession as policemen but as hijos. They would be wearing distinct uniforms showing the image of the Nazareno and the words 'Pulis ng Panginoon'," Irasga said.
Fr. Robert Arellano, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church, assured the public that the presence of police will not intimidate devotees, emphasizing, "They are one with you as hijos, and to maintain order and ensure a peaceful procession."
In addition to the 200 devoted policemen, the Philippine National Police will deploy around 14,000 personnel in Manila for the event, including reinforcements from Regional Offices 3 and 4-A. The Traslacion will follow a 5.8-kilometer route from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, expected to last about 15 hours, similar to the 2025 procession.
Meanwhile, Quiapo Church officials announced the implementation of entry routes for Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand. For those going to Quiapo, the public is advised that the entrance to the Church is via Quezon Blvd, Carriedo, Villalobos, Palanca (from Carriedo and Quinta Market). As for those heading to Luneta, they are directed to enter via Quezon Bridge, Nagtahan/UN, Jones Bridge, McArthur Bridge (all through Taft and Kalaw).
The roads closed for devotees include: (Grandstand area) Katigbak, Independence, Roxas Boulevard corner Padre Burgos, Padre Burgos (Finance to Roxas Boulevard); Quiapo Church: Evangelista, Paterno, Ronquillo streets (all exit route only); Ayala Bridge, P. Casal, C. Palanca, and R. Hidalgo (Guzman to Carcer).
