Manila, Jan. 4 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday has shifted its full security focus to the upcoming Feast of the Jesus Nazareno on Jan. 9, following the conclusion of Christmas and New Year's Day deployments.

Visibility and intelligence monitoring have been intensified ahead of the annual religious event, which is expected to draw millions of devotees to Quiapo, Manila, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a news release Sunday.

Nartatez said police officers were deployed starting Jan. 2 for Masses, community visits in Quiapo and blessing of Nazareno replicas.

An estimated 15,000 to 18,000 officers will be deployed across Manila and nearby areas, with reinforcements coming from Police Regional O...