The Manila Police District (MPD) will allow devotees to approach the carriage carrying the Image of the Black Nazarene during the Traslacion, the annual procession of the image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
Acting MPD director PCol. Arnold Ibay said that National Capital Region Police Office director PMGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. decided to not bring back the "andas wall".
During the Traslacion in 2020, more than 2,000 cops formed a wall around the carriage carrying the Black Nazarene, which only allowed devotees to approach the Image from behind.
"Hindi natin hahayaan na magkakaroon ng barrier. However, talagang maraming pulis pero hindi natin sila pipigilan sa paglapit sa andas," Ibay said during DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinason Monday, January 1.
However, the organizers of the 2024 Traslacion plan to place the Black Nazarene inside a bullet-proof case.
The Acting MPD director also reminded devotees to not bring prohibited items, which also include umbrellas, bags, and water containers that can easily break.
"Expect na sisitahin tayo ng mga pulis habang nandito tayo sa mga area na dadaanan ng procession, sa simbahan ng Quiapo mismo, at saka sa may Quirino Grandstand," Ibay stressed.
He also discouraged parents from bringing their children to the Traslacion on January 9.
"Kung sakaling hindi maiwasan na dalhin ang anak, magdala ng ID at nandoon sa likod ang numero ng kanilang mga magulang para, kung sakaling mahiwalay, madali natin matawagan," Ibay said.
