MOTORISTS were warned by Mayor Isko Moreno against leaving any kind of vehicle in certain areas near and around the Quiapo Church today, saying they are not allowed and will thus be confiscated.
In an interview, Moreno reiterated that the road closures will be effected strictly with no exception and that the local government headed by him and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, have already laid out all the possible support in terms of resources to the police and the church for an orderly and peaceful celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Lacuna said health personnel and ambulances will be on standby to respond to any emergency situation.
“Pakiusap, ‘wag kayong mag-iiwan ng sasakyan, motor o bisikleta.. anything that we see that are unnecessary in the streets near and around Quiapo, Plaza Miranda, Carriedo, Quezon and Avenida ay amin pong kukumpiskahin. Pasensiya na po,” Moreno said.
While the city government will carry out distribution of free face masks and face shields to those who are likely to attend the Masses scheduled to be held at the Quiapo Church today in observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, Moreno reiterated earlier calls for the devotees to avoid going to Quiapo and instead pray at home.
The mayor said the masses that will be celebrated in Quiapo Church will also be aired online and devotees may opt to hear Mass within the safety of their own homes.
“Hanggat maari, ‘wag na kayong dumapo sa Quiapo…manalangin tayo ng taimtim sa Diyos.. marami namang kaparaanan na lalong mapalapit sa Panginoon at tumatag ang ating pananalig sa kanya. Ito ay para sa kaligtasan ng lahat,” Moreno said.
He also noted that historically, millions attend the annual ‘Traslacion’ or the procession highlighting the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Currrently, Moreno said there are 2,900 average active COVID cases in Metro Manila adding that in Manila alone, there is a sustained 300 margin of active cases for the past two months and there is still the possibility of having asymptomatic carriers who are yet to be located and still spreading the virus.
“We are still looking at the effects of the last two weeks of December and the first week of January. ‘Yung pagkakadikit-dikit ng tao, lalaki ang posibilidad na magka-impeksyon. All we need is one person na super spreader kaya kung maaari, ‘wag na kayo magpunta ng Quiapo,” Moreno appealed.
Moreno yesterday personally went to Quiapo to check on the preparations aimed at avoiding huge crowding, as he ordered that vendors in the area be temporarily disallowed from peddling their wares in the church area, adding that barangays there have been requested to use their audio equipment to repeatedly remind the public to observe minimum health protocols.
Meanwhile, all classes in all levels in private and public schools as well as work in the local government have been suspended today, Saturday.
