Black Nazarene devotee found dead near Manila City Hall

Personnel from the Philippine Red Cross conduct CPR and defibrillation on a 27-year-old Black Nazarene devotee who was found “lifeless” near the Manila City Hall. PHOTO FROM THE PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

A 27-year-old devotee died on Saturday morning during the annual “traslacion” or procession of the Black Nazarene.

Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general of the Philippine Red Cross, said the male devotee was found “lifeless, breathless, and pulseless” after he joined the procession. The incident happened near the Manila City Hall before noon Saturday.

Pang, however, refused to reveal the identity of the victim until his family has been informed.

She said the victim’s body was immediately brought to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Quoting the victim’s companion, Pang said the victim experienced seizure and had a liver ailment.

READ: Missing husband, 15 lost kids found at Quirino Grandstand

As of Saturday morning, at least 1.5 million have joined the procession and was expected to swell to over nine million as the Black Nazarene icon makes its way back to Quiapo Church.

In 2015, two devotees died during the procession. IDL

RELATED STORIES

2 dead, 2 hurt by electric shock in 19-hour Black Nazarene ‘traslacion’

Black Nazarene ‘escort’ killed near his ‘Señor’

RELATED VIDEOS