CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 25 -- City officials have finalized traffic and security plans for the annual Black Nazarene "Traslacion" observance next month, anticipating large crowds.

Nonito Oclarit, head of the Roads and Traffic Administration, said Thursday that routing schemes are crucial to prevent traffic problems during the Jan. 9, 2026, religious procession.

"The vigils at night (Jan. 8) will be continuous this year, unlike in the previous year, which had a curfew," Oclarit said in a radio interview.

The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, city departments and police coordinated on the plans this week. The local government expects an influx of devotees from the city and neighboring provinces.

Last year's event drew an estimated 13,000...