PNP appeals for understanding over strict rules on Black Nazarene procession
By Aaron Recuenco
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is asking for understanding from devotees of the Black Nazarene amid complaints of stricter measures during Thursday's procession in Manila.
Thousands of devotees follows the image of the Black Nazarene during the annual Traslacion from Quirino Grandstand back to Quiapo church on January 9, 2020 (PHOTO BY ALI VICOY/ MANILA BULLETIN)
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac explained that the strict security measures employed in the annual “Traslacion” are part of the changes implemented to ensure an orderly procession.
"We understand how some devotees feel frustrated for not being able to show their devotion the way they traditionally used to do it due to tight security," Banac said.
"We only want the Translacion 2020 to be held successfully, safe, and orderly, with no untoward incident for the benefit of all," he added.
Banac said the changes in security measures had long been disseminated to the public through advisories and media interviews.
A number of devotees have been complaining that they can no longer approach the Black Nazarene due to the police wall around it. Some of the devotees also said they were attacked by policemen.
In recent interviews, Metro Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said the Black Nazarene would be surrounded by policemen to prevent devotees from rushing to its “andas” or carriage.
The main goal was to ensure the orderly and fast procession from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
Several roads which could be used by devotees to approach the Black Nazarene were barricaded either by container vans or policemen carrying large ropes.
"Like any introduction of change, we can always expect a level of resistance, in order to manage expectations," Banac said. "This change in security measures was disseminated way ahead of time through the media and also during the planning and rehearsals."
At least 13,000 policemen were tapped to secure the annual Black Nazarene procession.
Read more: Palace defends PNP's strict Traslacion measures
Thousands of devotees follows the image of the Black Nazarene during the annual Traslacion from Quirino Grandstand back to Quiapo church on January 9, 2020 (PHOTO BY ALI VICOY/ MANILA BULLETIN)
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac explained that the strict security measures employed in the annual “Traslacion” are part of the changes implemented to ensure an orderly procession.
"We understand how some devotees feel frustrated for not being able to show their devotion the way they traditionally used to do it due to tight security," Banac said.
"We only want the Translacion 2020 to be held successfully, safe, and orderly, with no untoward incident for the benefit of all," he added.
Banac said the changes in security measures had long been disseminated to the public through advisories and media interviews.
A number of devotees have been complaining that they can no longer approach the Black Nazarene due to the police wall around it. Some of the devotees also said they were attacked by policemen.
In recent interviews, Metro Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said the Black Nazarene would be surrounded by policemen to prevent devotees from rushing to its “andas” or carriage.
The main goal was to ensure the orderly and fast procession from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
Several roads which could be used by devotees to approach the Black Nazarene were barricaded either by container vans or policemen carrying large ropes.
"Like any introduction of change, we can always expect a level of resistance, in order to manage expectations," Banac said. "This change in security measures was disseminated way ahead of time through the media and also during the planning and rehearsals."
At least 13,000 policemen were tapped to secure the annual Black Nazarene procession.
Read more: Palace defends PNP's strict Traslacion measures