Brits in PH warned of possible threat during Black Nazarene feast

The embassy of the United Kingdom in Manila issued on Saturday an advisory to British nationals on Monday’s traslacion of the Black Nazarene, citing information of a terror threat received by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The updated foreign travel advice reminded British nationals of the feast of the Black Nazarene in honor of whom processions and other religious rites will be held in Manila as well as in other parts of the country.

According to the advisory, “The Philippine Ministry of the Interior (DILG) has received information on possible terrorist threats to the procession,” referring to the traslacion from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo.

READ: DILG: Threat from Maute, Abu Sayyaf on Nazarene feast possible

The embassy further advised British nationals, “Road closures and crowds of people will make travel in the downtown Manila area difficult or impossible and telecommunications will be disrupted.”

It reminded them to “take particular care in crowded places and follow the advice of the local authorities.”

The embassy maintained the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s reminder against all travel to Western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago because of ongoing terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups and advised against all but essential travel to the rest of Mindanao and to the south of Cebu province, including the municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian, due to the threat of terrorism.