23 fall ill, injured during Black Nazarene procession

A Catholic devotee is carried to an ambulance after fainting during the raucous procession of the centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene in celebration of its feast day Wednesday Jan. 9, 2013 in Manila. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-three either fell ill or were injured during the procession of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, the Philippine Red Cross reported as of 8 a.m. on Thursday.

The PRC report said that one fell unconscious, two complained of headache while five felt dizzy.  Six sustained puncture wounds, another six had abrasions, two suffered lacerations and one had contusion.

Millions are expected to join the procession of the Black Nazarene, which has been expected to last throughout the whole day.  The procession involves the transfer of the revered image of Jesus Christ from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in accordance with annual tradition.

Hundreds of cops, traffic enforcers and volunteer groups like the Philippine Red Cross have been deployed to ensure peace and order in the event and to assist participants falling ill.

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