Thousands expected at Nazarene’s pahalik

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of Catholic devotees are expected to gather at the Quirino Grandstand today for the traditional pahalik or kissing of the image of the Black Nazarene.

“I cannot say how many people will attend the pahalik because it is a very fluid activity. But the number of people always reaches thousands,” Quiapo Church technical adviser Alex Irasga said yesterday.

The pahalik will begin with a Eucharistic celebration at around 7 p.m.

Organizers will stop the activity before the traslacion starts on Friday.

Irasga said this year’s pahalik would be organized and well-secured.

Gun, liquor ban set January 8-10

Gun owners are prohibited from bringing their firearms in public places in Manila from Jan. 8 to 10.

The measure aims to maintain peace and order during the procession of the Black Nazarene, acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday.

He approved the recommendation of Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin in suspending permits to carry firearms outside residence during the period.

Police will also enforce a liquor ban, which will be issued by the Manila city government.

Up to 18,212 police officers and personnel from other government agencies will secure the traslacion.

PCG personnel to augment PNP

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will deploy around 200 personnel to augment the security for the traslacion.

In aiding the PNP, PCG personnel will “provide maritime safety and security assistance, particularly in the vicinity waters of Quirino Grandstand and Pasig River,” PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said.

The PCG’s floating assets, trained canines, medical doctors and nurses, Special Operations Force and explosive and ordnance disposal team will be utilized.

The number of deployed personnel may be increased if the need arises, Cayabyab said.

Hospitals on white code alert

The Department of Health placed all DOH-run hospitals in Manila on Code White Alert starting today until Jan. 10.

Under the alert status, hospitals are required to be ready for any emergencies that may occur during the traslacion.

Medical personnel and supplies should be ready for immediate mobilization, the DOH said.

Health stations and medical teams will be deployed along the procession route such as the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal street and Quinta market.

Sen. Bong Go, for his part, urged authorities, the local government of Manila and the public to coordinate to ensure the safety of devotees marching on Friday from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

Medical readiness, traffic management and real-time coordination among agencies on the ground are needed when crowd reaches its peak, Go said.

Avoiding stampedes

To reduce risks during the traslacion, devotees should “strictly follow the instructions of their group leaders, Church authorities and government officials,” University of the Philippines Resilience Institute fellow Martin Aguda advised.

Evacuation routes, extraction points and safe havens must be identified and positioned throughout the entire procession route, Aguda said.

He said a comprehensive emergency response plan should be in place, including mass casualty incident management, supported by a clear command-and-control structure using the incident command system.

Authorities should have an event stoppage protocol, with clearly defined criteria allowing the procession to be halted in the event of imminent danger, Aguda said. — Emmanuel Tupas, Bella Cariaso, Rhodina Villanueva