This year’s Traslacion once again drew massive crowds as the revered image made its way through the streets of Manila, from the Quirino Grandstand on its way back to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo.
The procession, which began at 3:58 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, has already swelled to nearly 440,000 devotees by mid-morning, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The day’s events opened with the traditional Misa Mayor at midnight, attended by more than 100,000 faithful at Quirino Grandstand.
Balanga Bishop Rufino “Jun” Sescon Jr. officiated the mass, urging humility and denouncing corruption in his homily.
“Una, siya ay bumaba nang kusa upang lalong magmahal… Hindi siya napilitan lamang; kusang loob siyang bumaba dahil sa awa at pagmamahal,” Sescon said, reminding devotees of Christ’s voluntary sacrifice.
The mass concluded at 1:30 a.m., paving the way for the procession’s official start at 4:00 a.m.
PROCESSION
By late morning, the “andas” carrying the image had reached Gen. Solano Street and was approaching Carlos Palanca Street.
Church officials noted that the carriage initially moved swiftly through Katigbak Drive, but delays occurred as some devotees attempted to climb onto the andas or merge against the procession’s flow.
Marshals and police repeatedly intervened, issuing loudspeaker reminders that such actions are prohibited for safety reasons.
Despite these challenges, authorities described the overall atmosphere as disciplined and cooperative.
“So far, the Traslacion is running smoothly and is generally peaceful,” said Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., who inspected the route early in the day.
Around 18,000 police personnel were deployed to maintain order.
MEDICAL AID, SAFETY MEASURES
The Philippine Red Cross reported that 77 devotees required medical attention in the early hours of the procession.
Most cases involved blood pressure monitoring and minor ailments, though two major cases were recorded, including one patient rushed to the hospital.
Welfare teams also provided psychological first aid and family assistance to several participants.
Authorities emphasized that crowd control and emergency response measures were functioning effectively, with no major incidents reported as of noon.
As of 10 a.m., the National Capital Region Police Office estimated the crowd at 439,900, with expectations that this year’s turnout could surpass the 8.1 million participants recorded last year.
The Manila LGU confirmed that around 187,000 devotees were actively following the andas along Carlos Palanca Street by midday.
Nartatez praised the cooperation of the faithful: “The crowd is large but most devotees are disciplined. Our police personnel are fully deployed and visible along the route. We are maintaining a high level of alertness to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The Traslacion remains one of the country’s largest religious gatherings, with millions of barefoot devotees clad in maroon shirts joining in prayer, waving towels, and chanting “Viva Señor Nazareno!” as the image makes its way through Manila’s streets.
Church leaders and city officials continue to appeal for discipline and respect, reminding participants that the event is not only a display of faith but also a collective responsibility to ensure safety and order. (Reports from Diann Calucin, Patrick Garcia, Richielyn Canlas, Hannah Nicol, Martin Sadongdong)
