MANILA — The Manila Police District (MPD), the local government, and church representatives, conducted another preparatory walkthrough on Friday morning for the 2025 Jesus Nazareno Traslacion.

MPD Director PBGen. Thomas Ibay led the road inspection and said obstructions along the procession route would be removed.

Some of the obstructions included overturned concrete barriers, collapsed fencing construction, and cluttered electrical wires.

“Meron kasing mga nakalagay doon na nag-e-extend sa daan na yero at alam naman natin dito sa masisikip na daan, kailangan natin na walang harang kasi makakadisrasya ‘to sa mga deboto natin na sasali dito sa pista ng Nazareno,” Ibay said. 

Fewer devotees expected for Traslacion 2025

Authorities also inspected the damaged paved roads, which pose a risk to devotees participating in the procession barefoot.

The Manila Department of Engineering and Public Works was instructed to issue notices to ongoing construction projects, requiring them to clear obstructions weeks ahead of the Traslacion.

“Ire-repair po natin ‘yan immediately. Naka-ready naman po ang ating materyales at manpower. And then, ‘yung nakita nating manhole, pwede po kaming maglagay ng temporary asphalt para ma-pave po natin ‘yung surface ng kalsada,” said Engineer Aiman Kamal, Highway Division 3 Assistant.

“We’re also conducting trimming operations to ensure that ‘yung mga falling hazards natin sa mga puno is ma-remove kasi alam natin na madadagsa ‘yung area natin dito sa Quiapo,” he added.

Traslacion 2024 'generally peaceful' and 'better coordinated' than before: police

Around 14,000 policemen will be deployed to ensure the safety of the devotees, with emergency vehicles on standby for immediate response.

“Lahat ng dadaanan ng Traslacion, lalatagan natin ng kaukulang numero ng security personnel natin. Hindi lang naman ang PNP ang magse-secure dito, kasama natin ang Armed Forces, kasama natin ang Philippine Coast Guard at lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno lalo na ang ating LGU, ay nagsama-sama para magiging successful itong darating na traslacion,” Ibay said.

The Feast of the Jesus Nazareno is an annual religious event held every January 9, commemorating the transfer of the revered statue to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazarene that draws millions of devotees.