MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will strictly enforce liquor and firearms bans as part of heightened security measures for the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno and the annual Traslacion on Friday.
The PNP has approved the National Capital Region Police Office’s (NCRPO) recommendation to suspend the permit to carry firearms outside of residence from January 8 to 11, covering the days before, during, and after the religious event.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units will be fully deployed to implement the bans, along with the prohibition on firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.
“We have been coordinating closely with the City Government of Manila to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration, consistent with the PNP’s security efforts in previous Traslacion events,” Nartatez said in a statement.
He urged devotees and the general public to cooperate with authorities and comply with all regulations, particularly during the Traslacion, which annually draws millions of pilgrims to the streets of Manila.
An estimated 15,000 to 18,000 police personnel will be deployed across the capital and nearby areas, with reinforcements coming from police units in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
The PNP earlier said it has not monitored any specific threats related to the 2026 celebration but stressed that preventive security measures remain in place to ensure public safety during one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.
Authorities said the liquor and gun bans are intended to reduce risks, maintain order, and protect both devotees and the general public throughout the event.|
