Signal jammers to be installed along Black Nazarene procession route

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 4): Signal jammers to be installed along Black Nazarene procession route

Just like last year, signal jammers will be installed along the route of the procession and the vicinities of Quirino Grandstand in Luneta and the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene located in Quezon Boulevard, Manila during the celebration of the annual feast on January 9.

According to Col. Llewelyn Binasoy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the installation of signal jammers is part of the security to be implemented during the 2017 Traslacion.

"As part of security preparations of Traslacion 2017 all areas, route of procession there would be no signals so I hope you understand it is part of the security preparations," he said during the media briefing for the said event on Wednesday.

The AFP official noted that the areas in Manila where the mass and procession will be held will be declared as a no fly zone, noting that flying of drones are also prohibited.

"We ask from media and public not to have their drones in the air. We would want to give this fair warning to everyone part of the security is "no fly zone" during the Traslacion," he added.

Binasoy said that AFP personnel will also be deployed in Luneta, Quiapo and at route of the procession to provide security and to help maintain peace and order.

On the other hand, Ensign Mozart Cumbe of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) appealed to the public especially those who will be joining the procession to refrain from jumping off the Jones Bridge, part of the Traslacion route going to the Basilica.

"Ang panawagan natin sa devotees na iwasan na tumalon sa Jones Bridge while underway andas ng Nazareno. Kung hindi makaiwas na tumalon, tingnan kung sadya 'yung pagtalon huli ng river marshals, kung accident, meron medical personnel mga first aider nakasakay sa floating asset ng PCG," he added.

Cumbe noted those who will be caught by PCG's river martials and Philippine National Police (PNP) maritime police staying under the bridge will be investigated.

"Sila ay iimbestigahan ng ating river marshals at PNP maritime police. Kung hindi talaga maiwasan mahulog o tumalon. Nandyan ang PCG sa ilalim para antabayanan sila," he added.

But, Cumbe said the incidents of people jumping off the bridge have decreased in recent years.

"Last year, 3 ang nareport na tumalon. Previous years meron 5-6 so last year 3 na lang," the PCG personnel added.

Aside from the said agencies, other government offices such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Health, the local government of Manila are closely coordinating with the officials of the Quiapo Church headed by Msgr. Hernando Coronal, rector, to ensure a safe and organized event.

Millions of Black Nazarene devotees are expected to join the Traslacion on Monday, which will start at the Quirino Grandstand and will end at the Basilica.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=952684