DESPITE the fact that it was prohibited or banned by the Manila Police District (MPD), a large number of devotees continued to climb the Andas for the Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno earlier this morning. 

According to the MPD, this year’s Traslacion is proceeding well so far, despite some devotees insisting on riding the andas, or carriage bearing the image of Jesus Nazareno. 

In an interview with a media, MPD District Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay revealed that certain devotees continue to climb the andas after being constantly reminded that it is illegal.

“Totoo na meron pa ring sumasampa sa andas,” he said in an interview. “Hindi pa rin napigilan ang pagsalubong at pagsampa ng ibang kababayan natin.”  

“Naging dahilan ng paiba-ibang direksyon ng andas kaya nabalahaw siya at nagtagal dito sa may Independence Road.” 

“Ang ating mga deboto ay nireremind ng Hijos, nakiki-usap na huwag nang sampahan ang andas at huwag nang salubungin dahil ito talaga ang nagpapabagal,” he added.

A video taken by a media outlet shows a group of devotees pushing and shoving a line of police officers along Ayala Bridge earlier this morning in order to meet the Nazareno. 

Tight security in Quiapo

Meanwhile, people are coming to Quiapo Church to see the Nazarene figure. Ibay further stated that security for guests remains strict, with their baggage being frisked and x-rayed before entering. 

The MPD is also investigating a few theft and pickpocketing allegations; however, no formal criminal charges have been made, and guests are reminded not to bring valuables or other objects that could endanger others.

Ambulance vendors were also instructed to clear a passage for the Traslacion routes, since their sticks and other debris, if not properly disposed of, could injure barefooted devotees.

“Ang safety at security ay hindi lang po responsibilidad ng kapulisan. Kaya po sa ating mga kababayan, kung sakali po meron tayong mapansin na kahina-hinalang galaw ng mga tao o bagay, lapitan agad kami,” Ibay asked.

“Kasi nakita niyo naman, naka-deploy kami nang maayos. This is for the safety of everybody,” Ibay went on to say during an interview with a media at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno.

Currently, the figure of Jesus Nazarene is still on Palanca Street, where it was met by a large number of followers. A few moments later, the carriage will turn right onto Quezon Boulevard.