If you plan to go to the Black Nazarene procession tomorrow, make sure you stick with your companions, because you won’t be able to call or text them during the event.
Last week, Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Supt. Joel Coronel told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that cellular sites in the procession will be temporarily shut down. This signal jamming will cover areas that are within a 1-kilometer radius from the Black Nazarene carriage.
A similar strategy was used in the same event last year to avoid the dangers of bombs being activated via cellphone.
Apart from shutting down cell phone signals, the police announced yesterday that they have also enforced a 36-hour liquor ban in parts of Manila starting from 6pm tonight until 5am Wednesday. This ban will cover a 200-meter radius from the carriage.
Last Thursday, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada declared that classes at all levels in both public and private schools will be suspended to make way for the Black Nazarene procession. The suspension also applies to work in most government offices located in Manila.
The procession of the Black Nazarene, an annual event that happens every Jan. 9, is attended by as many as 1.5 million people every year.
