Early pahalik for Black Nazarene devotees

MANILA, Philippines — The pahalik or veneration of the Black Nazarene started two hours early to accommodate the multitude of devotees who had lined up for hours at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park yesterday morning.

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church pastoral vicar Fr. Douglas Badong noted that since 4 p.m. on Monday, there were people waiting for the start of the traditional pahalik.  

Badong explained that the rector, Monsignor Hernando Coronel, ordered the pahalik to be scheduled two hours earlier or from 8 a.m. to 6 a.m., during the morning mass. 

“The image of the Black Nazarene was already positioned at the center of the stage and is ready… We moved it earlier so the people would not be disappointed and wait two more hours,” Badong said.

The Manila Police District said as of 9 a.m. yesterday, the crowd estimate at the pahalik was 6,000. MPD expected that by the end of the veneration of the Black Nazarene this morning, the number would balloon to millions.

Badong also gave assurance that even if the image of the more than 400-year-old Black Nazarene would be transferred to its carriage at 5 a.m. today, it would be replaced with a replica for those at the end of the lines. 

No telco signal

There would be no telecommunications signal during the traslacion or movement of the image of the Black Nazarene today, a police official said yesterday.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has approved the request of the Philippine National Police to cut off telecommunications signal as part of the PNP’s security operations, said National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar.

“There would be no telecommunications signal starting 5 or 6 a.m. today until the traslacion is over as the NTC has approved our request,” said Eleazar.

The NCRPO chief asked devotees not to bring their expensive gadgets as they are of no use anyway and instead would attract the attention of petty thieves.

The NCRPO has declared “no fly” and “no sail” zones near the Quirino Grandstand until the traslacion is over.

Safety, cleanliness

As this developed, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada appealed yesterday to the devotees of the Black Nazarene to “keep safe, be clean and orderly.”

In an interview with The STAR, Estrada also advised the devotees to be vigilant and observant during the traslacion.

“I want them to be safe. The city government and the (PNP) and other government agencies are well prepared, well-coordinated and all set to secure the traslacion,” Estrada said.

Estrada also urged the devotees to report to the authorities any suspicious items or persons.

Class, work suspension

The Quezon City local government has followed Manila’s lead, suspending classes in all levels in time for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene today.

City administrator Aldrin Cuña said the suspension is in view of the reported threats to the security and orderliness of the conduct of the activity.

He also cited the impact of the feast on vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

“Learning facilitators and the faculty are advised to provide students affected by this class suspension additional compensatory homework,” said Cuña.

The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said two ambulance teams and a rescue truck from the city are on standby for the traslacion.

Karl Michael Marasigan, head of the disaster management office, said a 10-man team composed of paramedics and personnel trained in urban search and rescue is ready for deployment in case of emergency.

The Senate also suspended work for its employees today in anticipation of the traffic congestion and difficulty in commuting to and from the Senate due to the traslacion.

Myra Marie Villarica, Senate secretary, added in a memorandum that meetings, committee hearings and other activities may proceed subject to the discretion of the chairman, senator or office concerned. 

“However, additional compensation may not be claimed for work rendered in the exigency of the service on this day,” she said. – With Non Alquitran, Jose Rodel Clapano, Janvic Mateo, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Emmanuel Tupas, Rey Galupo

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