PASIG CITY — SUMIKLAB ang matinding diskurso sa social media matapos umani ng batikos at paratang ng pamumulitika ang desisyong ipasara pansamantala ang opisyal na burulan ng Barangay Rosario, kasabay ng pagbabalik sa puwesto ni Ely Dela Cruz. Uminit ang isyu nang nagpatawag ng kapulisan si Analyn Santos, na tumayong Acting OIC kamakailan, kaugnay ng ipinatupad na pansamantalang pagsasara.

MANDALUYONG CITY — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has gone all in for the 2026 Feast of Jesus Nazarene, mobilizing more than 1,200 personnel in what it describes as a full-scale medical and humanitarian operation to protect millions of devotees expected to flood the procession route.

During a press briefing on January 7, PRC confirmed that 1,261 staff and trained volunteers will be deployed on the ground, supported by Red Cross 143 community volunteers placed on heightened alert. The massive deployment underscores the scale of the event—and the risks involved.

To ensure rapid response, PRC will field 39 ambulances—19 from National Capital Region chapters and 20 reinforcements from Southern and Central Luzon—alongside roving medical teams, scooter-mounted responders, and rescue boats positioned along the Pasig River.

PRC is also setting up a Modular Emergency Medical Unit equipped with a 10-bed emergency room and a 50-bed ward, staffed by its medical corps. In addition, 17 First Aid Stations and Welfare Desks will operate in high-risk and high-density areas, including Quiapo Church, Quirino Grandstand, and major roads. All units will be tightly coordinated through a central command post at Kartilya ng Katipunan, enabling real-time monitoring and response.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon stressed that the scale of deployment reflects the seriousness of the operation. He said the organization’s priority is clear: prevent injuries, respond fast, and save lives amid one of the largest religious gatherings in the country.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang urged devotees to take responsibility for their own safety by staying hydrated, wearing proper clothing and footwear, and seeking immediate medical help at the first sign of distress.

PRC also issued a strong advisory: bring identification with emergency contact details, avoid carrying valuables, and those who are ill, pregnant, elderly, or very young are strongly discouraged from joining the procession.

As of the latest update, the PRC Emergency Field Hospital and Command Post are already in place at Kartilya ng Katipunan, signaling that operations are now in full readiness mode.

The public is urged to follow official PRC channels for updates and to call Hotline 143 for emergencies. With over 1,200 personnel deployed, the Philippine Red Cross sends a clear message: Nazareno 2026 safety is on maximum alert—no room for complacency.