Rizal police: 'Alay Lakad 2025' may see over 7 million participants

Devotees join the 'Prosesyon Heneral' in observance of Holy Monday at the Antipolo Cathedral in Antipolo City on April 3, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Rizal police said it was ready to welcome some 7 million participants in the annual “Alay Lakad,” where Catholics walk to the Antipolo Cathedral from Holy Thursday to Good Friday.

"We are ready to receive lahat ng ating mga participant sa Alay Lakad. Mag-umpisa 'yan ng hapon ng Holy Thursday at hanggang madaling araw po 'yan ng Biyernes Santo," said Rizal police chief Col. Felipe Maraggun. 

"Last year we were able to record almost 7.4 million and now we expect this year na mas tataas pa 'yung bilang," he added.

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Maraggun warned the participants of possible health concerns due to the hot weather while on the way to the shrine.

"Sobrang init ngayon, mag-ingat tayo sa heat stroke. Every corner mayroon tayong water station magpo-provide ang mga local government unit," he said.

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Around 2,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police and other government agencies will be deployed for the activity.

"Mayroon tayong police assistance desk kasama rin dyan 'yung mga resources, mga emergency medical services, pati 'yung MDRRMO. Kasama rin dyan 'yung Bureau of Fire, Jail, Coast Guard, and Philippine Army," Maraggun said.

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He also shared some last-minute reminders for Alay Lakad participants.

"Mag-ingat, magdala ng tubig. Replenish. Siyempre mag-a-alay-lakad ka. Iwasan po ang pagdadala ng matutulis bagay at baril. Bawal 'yan lalo ngayong eleksyon,” Maraggun said. 

“As much as possible huwag na magdala ng bata kasi dadami 'yung crowd baka ma-suffocate o mawala pa. 'Yung mga dadalhing bata lagyan ng mga I.D. na may emergency contact number," he added.