Black Nazarene devotees gather for 'pahalik', security tight

Devotees began arriving at Quirino Grandstand in Manila as early as 11 p.m. on Friday, January 5, to participate in the traditional 'pahalik' ceremony for the Black Nazarene starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

By Saturday night, an estimated 10,000 devotees had gathered, with queues forming past 7 p.m., and the MPD acting director Police Colonel Arnold Thomas Ibay reported no untoward incidents.

Security measures were tightened with several roads closed and authorities conducting daily walkthroughs to ensure smooth procession routes ahead of the January 9 Traslacion.

Medical emergency equipment was deployed, including an advanced medical post at Bonifacio Shrine with thirty hospital beds and mobile clinics, as part of safety precautions.

Manila Police District acting director Ibay warned that road closures from 9 p.m. on Monday would cause heavy traffic, urging devotees to proceed in the morning or evening to avoid hot weather conditions.