Red Cross reports minor injuries in Black Nazarene procession

Black Nazarene procession: Unique expression of Filipino spirituality. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — With the authorities expecting crowds to reach 9 million this year for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, it is likely that some of the barefoot devotees will come across harm at some point.

This was true for 103 of believers who have been treated by medics of the Philippine Red Cross, the organization’s secretary general Gwendolyn Pang said in a text message to reporters.

She said that this was the data they gathered as of 9 a.m., hours after the life-sized sculpture of Jesus Christ was carried by pilgrims out of Rizal Park.

She said 39 of the cases were due to high blood pressure while 62 suffered minor injuries. One person suffered serious injuries, Pang added.

Several female devotees fell ill even before the Black Nazarene could be transported outside the park. They were carried away from the carriage which would move the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church within the day.