PCG deploys personnel to secure Black Nazarene devotees

January 8, 2020

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed hundreds of personnel to secure devotees participating in Thursday's feast of the Black Nazarene.

Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the PCG Coastal Patrol Operation  began on Tuesday and will last until Friday.

"To ensure the safety and security of millions of devotees who will gather at the heart of Manila, the PCG is conducting coastal operations along the vicinity waters off Quirino Grandstand and Pasig River, particularly in Ayala Bridge, Mc Arthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, and Jones Bridge," he said.

"The PCG deploys approximately 271 personnel and 36 floating assets along major operational areas: Quiapo Church, Ayala Bridge, and Quirino Grandstand,"  he added.

Balilo said floating assets of PCG are in strategic areas of the Traslacion.

  "Available assets of PCG are strategically deployed including multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) and fast patrol boats," he said.

Small craft, including high-speed boats, rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), and rubber boats are positioned to make sure critical areas are monitored against any untoward incident, he added.

Balilo said there are also K-9 units, quick response teams, medical groups, and force multipliers from the PCG Auxiliary for the safe and secure commemoration of the annual feast.

"The PCG calls on devotees to take part in the zero-casualty commemoration of Traslacion 2020 by complying with the safety and security measures being implemented and to report to authorities any suspicious individual or incident for appropriate action," he said. Robina Asido/DMS