No confirmed threat during Black Nazarene feast – PNP, AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Police and military officials clarified yesterday that there is no confirmed threat to the traslacion of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila tomorrow.

Philippine National Police (PNP) National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar yesterday said the police have not confirmed any threat on the traslacion.

“Rumors of threats have circulated. These either have no basis or are unreliable,” Eleazar said.

He issued the clarification following the revelation of Manila city officials that they received intelligence reports of an Islamic group planning to create trouble during the traslacion.

Manila officials admitted that the reports are not validated but they are not taking these for granted.

At least five million devotees are expected to participate in the traslacion of the image of the Black Nazarene from Rizal Park to the Quiapo Church.

According to Eleazar, they are continuously coordinating with various government agencies and the intelligence community regarding any threat to the procession of the centuries-old image.

Armed Forces Public Affairs Office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region will support the PNP in the security of the traslacion. He said that so far there is no report of any threat.

The military will deploy 2,000 soldiers to secure the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The 27,000-strong NCRPO has also been placed on full alert status during the traslacion of the Balack Nazarene tomorrow, a police official said yesterday.

Eleazar cancelled all leaves and rest and recreation of all police personnel as they focused their attention on security of the traslacion tomorrow.

The NCRPO will deploy some 7,200 personnel during the traslacion, to be augmented by soldiers.

“Our uniformed personnel would be securing the Quirino and Quiapo areas and the 6.1-kilometer route, which is divided into 10 segments,” Eleazar said, noting that each segment would be manned by a police commander accompanied by a medical team and several agencies equipped for emergency assistance.

THe NCRPO deployed augmentation forces of 1,500 policemen starting 8 p.m. yesterday, with an additional 3,500 at 8 p.m. today.

The NCRPO will employ the containment ring system of security, with first layer being the venue security at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Quiapo Church and the procession route of the image of the Black Nazarene.

The PNP has suspended the permit to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) in Manila during the traslacion, from 8 a.m. of Jan. 8 up to 8 a.m. of Jan. 10.

“Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies who are performing official duties and wearing agency related uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms,” said Eleazar.

According to Eleazar, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde approved his recommendation to suspend PTCFOR in Manila for the peaceful and orderly traslacion.

A rosary vendor in front of the Quiapo Church was nabbed for possession of a homemade shotgun two days before the celebration of Black Nazarene’s feast.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Senior Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. said charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions were filed against Peter Coderias, of Old Balara, Quezon City.

Elements of the MPD Station 3 K-9 Unit and Quiapo Church security guards were conducting clearing operations when they discovered the homemade shotgun near the church. The gun’s owner was later identified as Coderias, who admitted owning the weapon.  – With Michael Punongbayan, Sheila Crisostomo, Rhodina Villanueva, Evelyn Macairan, Rey Galupo