The devotees of the Black Nazarene usually jump into the Pasig River when passing to the Jones Bridge because of too much squeezing
The devotees of the Black Nazarene are being urged not not jump into the Pasig River when the carriage p(–foul word(s) removed–) through the Jones Bridge during the procession on January 9, Monday.
In a press conference at Quiapo Church on January 4, Wednesday, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Mizar Cumbe said there will be twenty floating assets to be on alert for the devotees who may jump off the Jones bridge into the Pasig River.
The floating assets which will be stationed at the river are comprised of aluminum, rubber and motorboats.
According to Cumbe, first aid responders and medical personnel will be deployed to man the rescue boats. The Black Nazarene devotees who will be caught intentionally jumping into the river will be subjected to an investigation.
According to statistics, the number of individuals falling into the Pasig River during the Black Nazarene procession had fallen down in recent years, with three recorded in 2016.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will deploy 40 personnel, equipped with megaphones, who will be stationed at the Jones Bridge.
According to Engineer Eduardo Santos of DPWH, this is to ensure the safe passage of the devotees on the bridge. Another 40 personnel will also be stationed at the McArthur Bridge.
The devotees are warned that taking a plunge into the trashy and murky waters of the Pasig River can be harmful to their health, according to Manila City Health Coordinator Malou Geralde.
Geralde warned that the water is toxic and there is mud underneath and these are not healthy for people to immerse themselves into.
Aside from the dangers of the toxic Pasig River, the Department of Public Services (DPS) of Manila City is also calling on the devotees to keep their own trash and food litter in their own pockets and avoid throwing them on the streets.
Manila City DPS Director Lilybelle Borromeo said it will be better if the devotees will avoid eating or practice fasting during the procession but noted that they could not compel participants not to eat.
It had been agreed by the organizers that no trash bins will be placed in the vicinity of the Quirino Granstand where the grand procession will begin, according to Dr. Virgilio Martin of the Manila City Health office.
The 2016 Traslacion generated 367 tons or 35 truckloads of rubbish.
