MANILA, Philippines – Despite threats of terrorism, the faith of the devotees still prevailed as millions joined last year's Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.

The procession stretched to 22 hours before the statue reached the Quiapo Church from the Quirino Grandstand.

This is what authorities would like to avoid this year.

The andas or carriage which will carry the statue has been fixed. Last year, one of the tires was damaged, slowing down the procession.

Police, meanwhile, clarified that there is no security threat so far this year.

Last year, authorities had to put signal jammers along the route of the procession to disable cellphones which may be used as triggering devices.

Even without security threats, over 3,000 policemen will still be deployed across Manila, nearly double from last year.

Local government offices will be open, but classes in schools along the procession route will be suspended.

The parish priest of the Quiapo Church, meanwhile, advised new devotees to seek help from veteran devotees to help them during the procession.

Black Nazarene devotees are also urged to pray for victims of calamities in the country. -- ANC