THE Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) and the police on Wednesday, January 4, bared plans for the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene on January 9 even as they said at least 20,000 Catholic devotees are expected to join the procession.
The route of the religious procession did not change this year as it will start 4:30 a.m. from the Pelaez Sports Center and will pass along Velez Street, Julio-Pacana Street, Gaabucayan Street, Agora, Valenzuela road, C.M. Recto Avenue and will end at the Nazareno Church.
The night before the procession, the replica of the Black Nazarene will be transported to Pelaez Sports Center to be followed by a Holy Mass and an overnight vigil.
RTA Administrative Officer Nonito Oclarit said over a TV interview the procession may last until 7 a.m.
He said they will issue a rerouting scheme for the areas affected by the procession so that motorists who are coming in to the city will not be caught in traffic.
Oclarit also advised motorists not to park their vehicles on the streets affected by the procession.
While the police are expecting a large number of devotees joining the annual procession, they are also putting maximum security to ensure safety of the public.
Cagayan de Oro City Police Office spokesperson Allan Curato said enough police force will be visible to maintain peaceful and orderly observance of the Traslacion.
Devotees joining the procession are advised not to bring babies and young children and make sure they are fit to go with the flock of devotees.
