Despite the decision of Manila City Mayor Franciso “Isko” Moreno to cancel this year’s “Traslacion” or the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene due to the pandemic, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is still preparing its personnel and equipment to ensure safety in the event of an influx of devotees in the city.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, PCG District National Capital Region – Central Luzon (CGDNCR-CL) Commander, Commodore Charlie Rances, said the PCG will deploy floating assets and security personnel along Pasig River, in coordination with the church and local government officials, to uphold the safety and security of the devotees.

“They will also participate in the strict enforcement of precautionary measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic,” Rances said.

The PCG said a readiness inspection will be conducted on Friday to ensure that the deployment and augmentation of its assets will be “all-set for safe, secure, and peaceful Traslacion 2021”.

In a news release, PCG Commandant, Admiral George Ursabia Jr., said supporting the local government in ensuring safety and security during the annual Traslacion has been a commitment of the PCG every ninth day of January.

“Notwithstanding the announcement of the Manila LGU, we will continue to prepare for possible deployment, specifically in strengthening the enforcement of minimum health standards, maintaining overall peace and security, and providing medical assistance to the devotees, as deemed necessary,” Ursabia said.

Devotees who are planning to visit churches that will hold masses in celebration of Traslacion are urged to “fully comply” with health protocols such as the wearing of face masks, shields, proper physical distancing, among others.

The Traslacion is an annual Filipino religious celebration featuring the procession of the “miraculous” Black Nazarene, a wooden image of Jesus Christ carved from a dark wood in the 16th century in Mexico and transported to the Philippines in 1606.

The celebration usually draws millions of devotees that attempt to touch the life-sized religious icon and sometimes lasts for more than 20 hours. (PNA)