The annual Traslacion in Mandaue City commenced on a note of peace and solemnity on Thursday, January 15, 2026, drawing a significantly larger crowd of faithful compared to the previous year. The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) confirmed the event's orderly conduct, with no untoward incidents reported on its first day.
Sacred Images Reunited in Solemn Procession
The religious event featured the revered images of the Sto. Niño de Cebu, St. Joseph, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, symbolically representing the Holy Family. These sacred figures were reunited as they paraded along the highway in Barangay Subangdako, Mandaue City. The procession marked a key moment in the local fiesta and devotional calendar.
According to MCPO Director Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr., the initial phase of the Traslacion was executed smoothly. The turnover of the sacred image, a critical part of the ceremony, took place at Paradise in Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City. "So far, everything is going well. The entire process has been peaceful," Acosta stated, highlighting the successful coordination.
Surge in Devotees and Enhanced Security Measures
Police authorities noted a remarkable increase in attendance this year. The estimated number of pilgrims and devotees reached around 20,000, surpassing last year's count of approximately 17,000. Director Acosta attributed the swell in the crowd to devotees' eagerness to venerate the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the favorable, relatively cool weather conditions.
To manage the large gathering and ensure safety, the MCPO implemented a comprehensive security plan. Police personnel were deployed across the venue, with a significant presence at the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City, and along all procession routes. Operations were conducted on a 24-hour basis with officers working in two shifts, as activities were scheduled to continue until the following day.
"Our deployment is already in place all over the venue... We have two shifts on a 24-hour basis since the activities will continue until tomorrow," Acosta explained. The security coverage extended to the overnight vigil, locally known as Pahaluna, following the evening Masses. Police committed to securing the area until the procession is safely escorted back to Lapu-Lapu City.
Preserving Solemnity Amidst the Crowd
Organizers were given ample time to ensure the procession remained a meaningful experience for all attendees. While a dry run had been completed quickly, authorities instructed a slower pace during the actual event to preserve its solemnity and allow devotees to fully appreciate the moment. The procession began slightly past its scheduled 9:00 a.m. start time but commenced officially within minutes of the sacred images' arrival.
As of the first day's report, the atmosphere remained devout and incident-free. "So far, we have not received any reports of incidents. Everything remains peaceful," Acosta concluded, expressing optimism for the continuation of the religious observance. The same level of security is set to be maintained along the return routes to Lapu-Lapu City.
