QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — More than 1,100 personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are set for this year’s feast of Nazareno on Jan. 9.
Coast Guard chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said that coast guard personnel will provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Manila local government to ensure safe, secured, and peaceful feast.
“We are expecting millions of devotees who will attend the series of activities during Black Nazarene Traslacion 2025. The PCG assists in ensuring public safety and security against possible risks, including terrorism, stampedes, fire within nearby areas, and natural disasters, such as an earthquake during the yearly Catholic commemoration,” Admiral Gavan shared.
Gavan also said the coast guard augmentation, which commenced last Dec. 30 until Jan. 10, 2025, includes K9 teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, Special Operations Groups (SOGs), Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) teams, and Deployable Response Groups (DRGs) strategically assigned at the Quirino Grandstand, Jones Bridge, and within the vicinity of Quiapo Church.
Likewise, teams of intelligence experts, crowd security personnel, and medical officers are also present to ensure maximum security and safety, especially during the procession.
Moreover, the PCG dispatched 21 floating assets for maritime security and safety operations in the vicinity waters of Pasig River and Manila Bay, as well as nine land vehicles that perform roving inspections in the city.
“We are one with our Catholic brothers and sisters in celebrating the Annual Feast of the Black Nazarene. The millions of devotees can rest assured that they will have a successful and memorable commemoration through the support of the national government and law enforcement agencies that come together to a common cause – which is to ensure zero-casualty during Traslacion 2025,” Gavan added.
The contingent from the Philippine Coast Guard will join forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other government agencies to provide security during the annual celebration which is expected to draw millions of devotees. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
