The Feast of the Black Nazarene or “Traslacion” is the most awaited annual event in Manila, which was temporarily postponed for three years due to health and safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grand procession kickstarted from the Quirino Grandstand at 4:45 AM and ended at the Quiapo Church at exactly 7:44 PM, recorded as the fastest traslacion in recent year with an exact time record of 14 hours, 59 minutes, and 10 seconds. The initial crowd estimate tripled on the actual day reaching more or less 6.5 million devotees. Despite the unexpected volume of attendees, the event recorded a total number of 765 medical emergencies with minor injuries which were immediately addressed on site. The event was generally peaceful with no major untoward incident recorded.

As part of the over-all security coverage, a total number of 16,000 uniformed personnel from MPD and other PNP Units together with 4,000 personnel from other agencies, LGU’s, medical teams and force multipliers were deployed at the Quirino Grandstand, at the procession route, and at the Quiapo Church. X-ray baggage scanners were also sent to check the belongings of church goers.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the support and guidance of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG), Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., the City Mayor of Manila, Honorable Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, our Chief PNP, PGEN BENJAMIN C ACORDA, JR., our Regional Director, NCRPO, PMGEN JOSE MELENCIO C NARTATEZ, JR., and Cardinal Jose Advincula for entrusting us with the safety and security of this religious national event.” said PCOL ARNOLD THOMAS C IBAY, also “I want to commend our policemen on the ground who didn’t feel tired and sleepy to secure the venue, and to the religious members of the Catholic Church, other Government Agencies and force multipliers for working tirelessly with us to deliver a safe and peaceful celebration of NAZARENO 2024, he added.