Cebu City: A massive crowd of devotees filled the central streets of Cebu City on Friday morning for the Walk with Mary, a penitential procession leading to the Basilica Minore del Santo Ni±o de Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, Diocesan priest Eligio Suico, who presided over the Traslacion Mass at the Basilica's Pilgrim Center, delivered a message of hope and mercy, honoring the devotion of the faithful that has been passed down through generations over the past 460 years. 'Let us thank our ancestors who shared their stories of hope and mercy as they encountered the Santo Ni±o. The Santo Ni±o is accompanying us on our journey to heaven,' Suico said.

Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, confirmed the peaceful conduct of the procession. At least 1,400 personnel from the Cebu City police have been deployed to ensure peace and order during the event. Additional support teams were also deployed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Security measures will be heightened for Saturday's solemn foot procession and Sunday's Sinulog Grand Parade at the Cebu City Sports Center. Following the Walk with Mary, the image of the Santo Ni±o was brought in a Traslacion to Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities.

In Lapu-Lapu City, the image will remain at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rule for an overnight vigil before being transferred to a galleon at Muelle Osme±a. Over 300 registered vessels will participate in Fluvial Procession on Saturday, with the Philippine Coast Guard warning unregistered vessels of penalties for unauthorized participation.