Black Nazarene crowd reaches 8 million

MANILA, Philippines–The throng of devotees who joined the annual procession of the Black Nazarene Wednesday has reached at least 8 million, the National Capital Region Police Office said.

Police Director Leonardo Espina made the estimate in a text advisory Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Red Cross secretary general Gwendolyn Pang said that as of 1:40 p.m., seven persons, including a 28-year old female who gave birth, have been rushed to nearby hospitals.

The woman who gave birth was identified as Rosita Rivera. She was taken to Ospital ng Maynila.

The Red Cross added that Christian Ramos was brought to Ospital ng Maynila after sustaining laceration wounds to his right eye.

Two others were unidentified, but were said to have both been unresponsive, prompting rescue teams to rush them to the hospital.

The rest complained of chest pains and one of lock jaw. Jamie Marie Elona