53 fall ill, injured during Black Nazarene procession as of 10 a.m.

A Catholic devotee is carried to an ambulance after fainting during the raucous procession of the centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene in celebration of its feast day Wednesday Jan. 9, 2013 in Manila. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-three either fell ill or were injured during the procession of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, the Philippine Red Cross reported as of 10 a.m. on Thursday.

The PRC report said that one fell unconscious, five complained of headache while six felt dizzy.  Six sustained puncture wounds, 23 had abrasions, 10 suffered lacerations and one had contusion. Another participant had an asthma attack.  Two of the cases had to be brought to the hospital.  Sixty-three people had their blood pressure checked.

Millions have been expected to join the procession of the Black Nazarene, which would likely last throughout the whole day.  The procession involves the transfer of the revered image of Jesus Christ from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in accordance with annual tradition.

Hundreds of cops, traffic enforcers and volunteer groups like the PRC have been deployed to ensure peace and order in the event and to assist participants falling ill.

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