Cops brace for increased fervor from Nazarene devotees

Aside from an increase in their number, devotees of the Black Nazarene are expected to be more passionate in taking part in this year’s Feast of the Black Nazarene, police said Wednesday. Manila Police District head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay said they expect many of the participating devotees to be victims of calamities that hit the country in 2009. "Dahil sa mga inabot nating kalamidad, kaya siguro mas lalong sisidhi ang panata ng ating mga kababayan (Many who were affected by calamities last year will likely come to make vows in hopes of getting a miracle)," Magtibay said in an interview on dwIZ radio. He indicated the devotees may be more fanatical in getting near the image and pulling the carriage bearing the image, which is believed to have miraculous powers. The Black Nazarene, whose feast falls on January 9 [Saturday], is believed to have miraculous powers. Its devotees include prominent personalities such as Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro Jr. More than 900 Filipinos died in the wake of calamities that hit the country, including tropical cyclones “Ondoy" (Ketsana) and “Pepeng" (Parma).

When asked how many devotees they expect to attend the feast, Magtibay said more than three million will likely take part. "Ang estimate last year nasa three million. Ang projection ng PNP mas hihigit pa doon (The estimated number of devotees last year was three million. The Philippine National Police estimates the number will rise this year)," he said. Earlier in the day, dzBB radio reported that Magtibay admitted this year’s festivities will likely be a security nightmare due to the sheer number of devotees. The program for this year involves the image of the Black Nazarene being brought to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Friday, the eve of the feast. Activities at the Quirino Grandstand will start Friday afternoon, including a parade and healing service. On Saturday, activities start at 3 a.m. with a Holy Hour, a concelebrated Mass at 6 a.m., and the start of the procession to Quiapo at 7:30 a.m. Magtibay reiterated at least 1,500 uniformed police personnel, including reinforcements from the Metro Manila police, will secure the devotees. He said at least 2,000 civilian volunteers will also be on hand to provide security and order to the activities. "Kasama ang medical personnel ikakalat sa rutang dadaanan (Medical personnel will be available along the route of the procession)," he said. - RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV