Leave selfie sticks at home, Nazarene devotees urged
The Manila city government on Friday called on devotees of the Black Nazarene not to bring their selfie sticks or camera stands during the grand traslacion on Saturday as an exercise of caution.
Johnny Yu, officer in charge of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said it would be practical if devotees would not bring selfie sticks or gadget extension devices during the day-long procession, which was expected to draw a crowd of millions.
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Yu said selfie sticks may pose inconvenience and even danger to participants even if they do not see any lethal threat from such tools.
“Hindi naman po nabanggit na ipinagbabawal ang mga gadget accessories na yan … pero mas maganda nga sana kung wag nang magdala ng ganyan. Kung meron mang magdadala niyan ay wag dun sa mismong prusisyon at mga crowd ng tao dahil baka may matapilok o matamaan, iyon po ang delikado,” Yu said.
“Pero ‘yung mga talagang gusto pa ring magdala niyan para sa pagkuha ng mga litrato … posible po iyan na magamit sa area na malayo sa dadaanan ng procession o malayo sa kumpol ng mga tao. Ang mga camera po naman ngayon ay mayroong zooming device. Posible na kahit malayo ka ay maaaring i-zoom,” he added.
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The local government noted that selfie and group picture-taking may cause distraction to people “whose full attention is required in an activity that they engage in,” especially in an expression of faith and devotion.
Among other prohibited items during the procession include backpacks, pointed umbrellas, bull caps, weapons, and alcohol.
