Metro police brace for Black Nazarene feast

After the long holiday season, Metro Manila police will have a field day once more as the 403rd Feast of the Black Nazarene is due next weekend. They are, however, looking forward to a more organized one this year as the procession goes back to its former route. Manila’s 1,000-strong police force will be deployed to the procession’s route, where not lower than last year’s 5 million devotees are expected to turn up, said the procession’s ground commander, Supt. Ernesto Tendero of the Manila Police’s Station 3. "Mas maayos, mas madali" “Ang problema noong nakaraang taon, naghilaan ang mga tao dahil nag-iba iyong ruta ng Nazareno. Ngayon, inaasahan naming mas maayos, mas madali ang magiging takbo ng prusisyon dahil balik na sa dati," Tendero said. (The problem last year was that people started jostling each other because the procession had taken a different route. Now, we expect things to be smoother and easier because we went back to the old route.) The image of the Black Nazarene will be transported to Luneta Park on the night of January 8, Friday, for an overnight vigil. From there, the image will begin its procession on Saturday morning at 8 A.M., Tendero explained. Advanced monitoring technologies like Global Positioning System (GPS) and closed-circuit television (CCTV) used last year will also be in place this year, according to Tendero. Medical teams from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Manila City Hall, as well as volunteer organizations, will be on standby at the Plaza Miranda for assistance. Ambulances and firetrucks will also be positioned in strategic areas along the procession route, said Tendero. Back to the old route Due to the tremendous crowd that gathers at the annual event, the 2009 procession used a different route in an effort to make it easier for people to participate. Last year’s new route was followed up until Arlegui street, after which many of the devotees tried pulling the ropes of the Black Nazarene's carriage towards the original route of the procession. Many devotees had also complained to police about the new route because they believe the Black Nazarene's passing towards their area results in their numerous blessings and good luck. History of the Black Nazarene The Feast of the Black Nazarene attracts millions of devotees every year, who believe that touching the image or pulling its carriage will bring miracles. Supposed to have been brought to Manila by a Spanish priest in 1607 aboard a ship that caught fire, the statue has been housed at the Saint John de Baptist Church in Quiapo since 1787. Usually barefoot and maroon-clad, devotees of the Nazarene yell “Viva Señor!" (Long live the King!) while waving white towels high in the air. Most devotees also jostle to grab two long ropes to pull the carriage. - Nikka Corsino/TJD, GMANews.TV