PNP vows strict enforcement of liquor, gun bans for Traslacion 2026

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

For the 2026 procession that is again expected to draw millions of Catholic devotees, the Philippine National Police will deploy 18,000 officers to maintain peace and order and ensure the strict enforcement of the liquor and gun bans. (Philippine News Agency/facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will strictly enforce the liquor and gun bans as part of security measures for the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno on Friday.

The PNP leadership approved the National Capital Region Police Office’s recommendation to suspend the permit to carry firearms outside residence on Jan. 8 to 11.

In a statement on Tuesday, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said officers will be deployed to enforce the bans, as well as the prohibition on firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.

“We have been coordinating with the City Government of Manila to achieve a specific goal, which is to ensure that this religious activity will be peaceful and orderly similar to what the PNP did over the years,” he said.

Nartatez also urged the public to cooperate with authorities and comply with regulations, especially during the Traslacion, the annual procession that draws millions of devotees.

An estimated 15,000 to 18,000 police officers will be deployed across Manila and nearby areas, with reinforcements from the Police Regional Offices in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

The PNP earlier said it has not monitored threats related to the celebration.