NCRPO: No use of drones along Traslacion route

FILE: Hundreds of devotees gather in front of the Quiapo Church to join the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene along Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, Manila Monday (Jan. 9, 2023). The Traslacion (transfer) was canceled for the third straight year but their devotion to the Black Nazarene never wavered. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) on Tuesday reminded the public that the use of drone cameras is not allowed as part of measures to ensure the peaceful observance of the Traslacion or the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Jan. 9.

In a statement, NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said this is part of the declaration of the route of the Traslacion as a no-fly zone.

The procession will begin at the Quirino Grandstand, turn right to Katigbak Drive (left side), right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road, go straight to Ayala Bridge, left to Palanca Street, right to Quezon Boulevard, right to Arlegui Street, right to Fraternal Street, right to Vergara Street, left to Duque de Alba Street, left to Castillejos Street, left to Farnecio Street, right to Arlegui Street, left to Nepomuceno Street, left to Concepcion Aguila Street, right to Carcer Street, right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen, left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat, left to JP de Guzman Street, right to Hidalgo Street, left to Quezon Boulevard, right to Palanca Street through under Quezon Bridge, right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda, and finally to Quiapo Church.

Likewise, the Philippine Coast Guard has declared a no-sail zone near the Quirino Grandstand from Jan. 6 to 10.

“After months of meticulous security planning and preparation, your NCRPO, together with partner agencies, is now ready to perform our task of securing the Feast of Jesus Nazareno 2025. I urge everyone to work together for a safe, secure, and solemn celebration,” Aberin said.

He said more than 14,000 NCRPO personnel and reinforcements from other regions and agencies have been deployed for the annual religious observance.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the 1,300 officers he deployed to Manila would be positioned at the Quirino Grandstand for the traditional “pahalik” (kissing) and various entry and exit points in Metro Manila.

The traditional “pahalik” of the Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand, supposed to begin Tuesday midnight, started Monday night after Quiapo Church officials noticed an influx of devotees at the venue.

On Monday, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil led the send-off rites for the deployed personnel at the Quirino Grandstand.

Last year’s event drew 6.5 million devotees. This year’s celebration is expected to draw even larger crowds.

The feast will kick off with a Fiesta Mass at midnight on Jan. 9, to be followed by the Traslacion.