More than 300 devotees seek Red Cross as Traslacion kicks off

This file photo shows an injured female Black Nazarene devotee being carried over other participants of the Traslacion, which commemorates the transfer of the image of the suffering Christ from Intramuros to the Quiapo Church.  INQUIRER FILE / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it had assisted more than 342 devotees, including four major cases, as this year’s Traslacion kicked off from the Quirino Grandstand.

In its 6 a.m. report on Wednesday, the PRC said it already catered to 296 people but did not mention a time frame.

Of that number, 272 sought blood pressure assistance, 63 complained of difficulty of breathing, fainting, punctures, abrasions, bruises, lacerations, and toothache.

Four major cases involved laceration, difficulty of breathing and dizziness. Another devotee was rushed to the hospital but the PRC did not specify the illness.

The Red Cross rushed one hypertension victim to a hospital.

The PRC deployed more than 1,000 volunteers to assist participants of the yearly procession of the Black Nazarene.

Traslacion 2019 started at 5 a.m. when it left the Quirino Grandstand. /cbb