MANILA, Philippines – Two damaged wheels and a piece of broken rope from the carriage carrying the Black Nazarene are delaying further its procession towards Quiapo Church in Manila.
Devotees noted how most of those who gathered around the carriage of the Nazarene no longer helped to pull the carriage or “karosa”.
“Lahat sila gusto lang makahawak, gusto lang sumampa, wala ng humihila at nagtutulak,” an elderly devotee who refused to be named noted after he was able to help pull the rope – or what devotees call “salang”.
He added that this also delayed the movement of the carriage, which had been damaged.
Devotees believe that their wish will be granted by the Nazareno if they touch any part of the statue’s body or pull the rope of the carriage.
Local authorities offered the use of their truck to transport the Black Nazarene during the procession but devotees refused and insisted on carrying the carriage all the way back to Quiapo Church.
The Philippine National Police estimated that this year’s procession will last for 14 hours.
The devotees began the procession from the Quirino Grandstand at 8 a.m. but the Nazareno was able to cross Roxas Boulevard to Padre Burgos at around 11 a.m.
As of 1 p.m., the Nazareno was at Padre Burgos Avenue Corner Maria Orosa, approaching the Manila City Hall. Devotees noted that in previous years, the Nazareno passed by the Manila City hall at around 1 p.m. and arrived at the Quiapo Church past midnight.