DEVOTEES will see modifications in the way the traslacion or procession is conducted in honor of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Tuesday, January 9.

Officials from Quiapo Church announced that devotees would no longer be permitted to go up the andas, or the wheeled carriage bearing the supposedly miraculous Black Nazarene image.

Although the Black Nazarene will be housed in a glass case for protection, a portion of the cross will remain exposed.

Many people used to risk their lives to just wipe the image with a handkerchief in the hopes that it would bring them better fortunes.

The church also encouraged devotees who are sick and young children to wait for the image on the side of the road, to bring transparent bags for easy inspection, and to refrain from pushing one another throughout the procession.

Around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed for the Feast of Black Nazarene, which is expected to draw millions of people as COVID-19 restrictions have already been lifted.

The traslacion returns after a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.