Malacañang to Black Nazarene devotees: Physical well-being remains ‘paramount’

Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Saturday underscored the importance of public health during the Feast of Black Nazarene as it reminded devotees to observe COVID-19 rules.

“As we offer our fervent prayers for ourselves, our family and our beloved country, we must not forget that we have to ensure strict adherence to minimum public health standards,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement, titled, “on the observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.”

“We understand that many of our devotees see this occasion as a ‘panata,’ the safety and physical well-being of everyone, however, remain paramount.  We therefore need everyone’s cooperation in this regard,” he added.

Roque also called on the public, who are planning to troop to Quiapo Church, to watch online Masses instead.

The Palace official, likewise, ordered local authorities “to strictly observe and implement physical distancing.”

Roque, who was previously criticized for allegedly violating physical distancing at a Cebu event, said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) “would continue to monitor” the Black Nazarene event.

A report from the city government showed that over 37 people were injured during the Black Nazarene feast. As of 6 p.m., 10,140 devotees joined the religious event.