MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno Aquino III visited Quiapo Church on Sunday to check on the security plans for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicanor Bartolome is currently briefing the President.
Malacañang advised the PNP that the President would visit at around 11 am.
Bartolome arrived at around 10 am to conduct a final coordinating conference with those who will be tasked to secure the Quirino Grandstand.
On Monday, around 8 to 9 million devotees are expected to join the procession, which will start at the Quirino Grandstand then end at the Quiapo Church.
More than 2,000 policemen were to be deployed as early as Sunday morning for the traditional vigil and “pahalik”.
Reserve personnel will also be on stand-by.
In previous years, many devotees were injured and some even died from the stampede during the procession. -- Report from Dexter Ganibe, dzMM
Nation,Top Stories,PNP,Black Nazarene,Benigno Aquino III,Nicanor Bartolome,quiapo church