More than 500 ‘Traslacion’ devotees get treatment - Red Cross
Metro Manila, Philippines - Thousands braved safety and security risks as they joined other devotees in the annual grand procession of the Jesus Nazarene image from Rizal Park to its home, the Quiapo church, in Manila on Thursday, Jan. 9.
They began their annual trek from the Quirino Grandstand at 4:41 a.m., after Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr. led a midnight mass, the Misa mayor, before the continuation of the vigil.
The faithful were barefoot as the procession, called Traslacion, passed at least 15 streets. Highly-dense crowds contributed to those passing out, leading authorities to take them out to safety in stretchers.
As of 4 p.m., the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) attended to 526 people, half of which had minor health issues, such as various wounds, nail injuries, contusion, sprain, and sore throat.
The PRC monitored eight major complaints including dizziness with blurry vision, nausea and body weakness, and difficulty of breathing; while 223 had their vital signs checked.
Fifteen others were transported to nearby hospitals and other health facilities.
Climbing onto the ‘andas’
Organizers instructed members of “Hijos,” a group that secures the icon, to pull down devotees who attempt to climb onto the andas or the carriage of the image.
But many devotees still defied the rule even if the andas was modified to prevent such a scenario.
The practice caused delays in the procession, which usually lasts up to 20 hours. It finished earlier in 2024 or almost 15 hours.
Believed to possess miraculous powers, the venerated image, a life-sized dark statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, will be returned to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, also known as the Quiapo church.
As of 12 p.m., there were 192,000 people inside Quiapo church, where hourly masses were observed.
Past 4 p.m., the andas was on Concepcion Aguila St., within the Quiapo district.
The police deployed at least 14,000 personnel to maintain peace and order.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also sent over a thousand people to oversee cleanliness on the procession route.
The Department of Health, meanwhile, placed hospitals in Metro Manila and nearby regions under “code white,” an alert for medical facilities to be ready to respond to emergencies.
National celebration
The Jesus Nazarene feast was celebrated nationwide, a milestone for devotees.
Here are some events from across the country.
Cebu
