Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Wednesday, January 3, confirmed that a no-fly zone and signal jamming would be enforced during the Feast of the Black Nazarene next week.
"Yes, there are decisions like that. It will be a no-flying zone, and of course, tayo, mga authorities will be allowed," he told reporters in an interview.
"Yes kasama rin po sa contingencies," Acorda affirmed when asked if signal jamming would likewise be implemented.
According to the PNP Chief, the intelligence report had stated that "there are no major threats" against the public's security but noted that they would not be complacent.
"But lagi kong inuulit, even in the absence of such threat, we will always prepare for the worse in our preparations," he said.
PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo earlier told the media that more than 15,000 PNP personnel would deployed to ensure peace and security during the feast day.
Acorda said National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. had requested additional forces as they anticipate a bigger crowd on the feast day.
"We are considering that and we will be getting augmentation in other regions," he added.
The PNP Chief reminded devotees and faithfuls that wearing of bull cap and bringing umbrellas and nontransparent bags are not allowed.
"Pinapaabot natin sa mga mamayan natin para hindi maging hassle sa mga taong pupunta doon, let's make it clear na we will avoid bull cap, umbrellas, and then bags bawal except doon sa transparent," he said.
