The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Philippine military and police are on high alert amid reports of a terrorist attack during today's Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The annual religious celebration is marked by the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene in central Manila, an event which is expected to draw millions of devotees this year.

According to Chief Inspector Carol Macawile, chief of operations of Manila Police District’s Station 3 however, the situation was normal as of 7:30am.

“The situation here is normal,” he said. “Some elderly persons fainted but we have assisted them already. There are also no reports of missing children or of victims of pickpockets.”

Increased security has been set along the route the Black Nazarene will be taking from Intramuros to Quiapo. At least 3,000 members of non-government organization are also on hand to help maintain peace and order.

Terror plot reports

President Benigno Aquino III said during a press conference on Sunday that the government had received reports of a possible disruption during the feast.

"Lately we have been getting some information that leads us to believe that there is a heightened risk and, therefore, we are taking the necessary precaution, especially given the nature of the procession for the Black Nazarene, which involves quite a huge number of people and makes it a very tempting terrorist threat," said Aquino.

He added that while the threat was not high enough for the government to call for the cancellation of the religious feast, increases in security would be “visible, obvious and very thorough.”

Citizens are asked to remain vigilant and to report suspicious persons to call emergency hotline 117.