THE Manila Police District (MPD) announced a three-day gun ban in Manila from January 8 to 11 in preparation for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on January 9.
MPD Chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay during a press briefing said over 12,000 officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and an additional 2,306 personnel from other units will secure the celebration, with reinforcements from Police Regional Offices 3 and 4A, as well as the Special Action Force.
Full deployment begins on January 8, alongside skeletal security measures already in place.
Ibay confirmed that intelligence reports indicate no current threats, but authorities remain on heightened alert. Leave and days off for police personnel have been canceled to ensure readiness.
Road closures along the Translacion route will start at 9 p.m. on January 8, with control points established to restrict unauthorized vehicle access.
A liquor ban will also be in effect from January 8 to 10, according to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.
The Bureau of Fire Protection will deploy firetrucks, medical teams, and hazmat units to key areas, supporting safety efforts throughout the celebration.
The event’s theme, “Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22),” emphasizes faith and devotion, culminating in the Fiesta Mass and the Traslacion procession of the Black Nazarene image from Luneta to Quiapo Basilica.
