Bartolome places Metro Manila police on full alert during Monday’s Feast of Black Nazarene – ZamboTimes Online
MANILA — PNP Chief Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome has placed the entire 15,000-strong police force in Metro Manila under full alert status as part of a comprehensive security and public safety plan for about eight-million devotees of the Black Nazarene who will pay homage to the miraculous icon on Monday in Quiapo, Manila.
President Aquino and Bartolome were in Quiapo on Sunday to assess final security preparations by the Manila Police District and the National Capital Region Police Office in coordination with the city government of Manila, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and other agencies involved in the public safety operations.
Bartolome told President Aquino the NCRPO has been placed on full alert condition to provide operational support to the Manila Police Department (MPD) and the City of Manila.
Bartolome directed Police Director Alan Purisima, NCRPO chief, to field all available mobile and foot patrol units around the Quiapo area and along the procession routes from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Basilica.
The MPD, on instructions of the Chief PNP, has prohibited the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to avoid injuries and to prevent panic.
Authorities enjoined devotees joining the procession to observe proper decorum and behavior befitting the sanctity of this religious rite.
Unruly persons and those under the influence of drugs and alcohol will immediately be evicted from the activity, according to Sr. Supt Alex Gutierrez, MPD director.
Bartolome advised devotees, who are joining the Black Nazarene rites, to ensure they are physically fit to perform the traditional religious ritual. He also advised them not to bring along children and the elderly for their own safety.
The Chief PNP has mobilized the PNP Health Service to field its paramedic and emergency medical teams to assist distressed devotees who may suffer from heat stroke, exhaustion, cuts, bruises, sprains, breathing discomfort, and other injuries associated with heavily crowded environment.
The PNP has requested the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard to augment the K-9 Units deployed by NCRPO for security screening and threat detection measures.
The Chief PNP also advised motorists to avoid roads leading to the Quiapo and Luneta areas as these roads will be heavily congested.
“Those with no important business in these areas are advised to postpone their trips for another day,” Bartolome said. (PNA)
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