dailypedia
Over 5 million devotees went to take part in the barefoot procession for the celebration of the Black Nazarene’s feast this Manila Friday.
The mammoth procession, estimated by the Philippine Red Cross at 5.5 million people, was attended by devotees tried to get closer to the image as part of belief that getting in contact with the image of the Black Nazarene would have their prayers be answered.
Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno reported the crowd was at more than five million but the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council estimated it could be more than nine million, according to GMA News’ 24 Oras.
Accident, injuries
As unexpected tragedy was seen inseparable with translacion, a member of Hijos del Nazareno died of heart attack while escorting the image of the Black Nazarene in Rizal Park.
Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Johhny Yu said that Renato Burion, 44, had a heart attack and was rushed to the Manila Doctors Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Photo from:abs-cbnnews.com
Photo from: gmanetwork.com
He added that, it took 15 minutes for the official escorts of the image to remove the devotee from the top of the carriage.
Three men are reportedly arrested after setting off firecrackers near devotees. While a teen suffered broken ribs when he was crushed by devotees climb railings towards the image.
Even the marshalls were not spared from having injuries.
Many also suffered cuts on their feet, especially those who walked barefoot.
The Philippine Red Cross reports more 1,500 people got ill or injured amid the Black Nazarene procession. 876 had high blood pressure, while 564 had injuries, lacerations, or felt dizzy.
Four were brought to hospitals.
Amidst the celebration, religious groups clashed
Evangelical christian group protested that devotees should communicate with God instead of worshiping statues. This prompted tension between two different christian denominations.
The clash ceased after the protesters left the place.
READ: Two religious groups clash in Black Nazarene’s Feast Celebration
“Dry run for papal visit’
According to Manila city mayor Joseph Estrada, this celebration will be their dry run for crowd control and other security preparations for Pope Francis’ visit from January 15 to 19.
The Pope is scheduled to stay at the Apostolic Nunciature, during his stay in the country.
Millions of people are also expected to attend the Pope’s scheduled mass at the Quirino Grandstand.
