A devotee kisses the cross of the Black Nazarene as hundreds of thousands swarm around the carriage bearing the centuries-old icon. INQUIRER photo/ NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
More than 800 devotees were reported injured during the grand Traslacion, or the six-kilometer procession of the Black Nazarene statue from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church, according to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
The procession of Quiapo church’s icon commenced early Tuesday morning, at 5:07 a.m., and ended Wednesday before dawn after reaching the church at 3:00 a.m.
In a report released on Wednesday, the PRC said a total of 708 sustained minor medical cases (dizziness, laceration, abrasion, vomiting, toothache, body pain, fatigue, abdominal pain and sprain) while 127 suffered major injuries (difficulty of breathing, fainting, body weakness, seizure and fracture).
In addition, the PRC said they transported seven patients to nearby hospitals, including a 17-year-old boy, whom paramedics suspected suffered neck and spine injury.
At least 854 devotees also had their blood pressures checked and monitored across nine first aid stations and the emergency medical unit tent hospital deployed along the procession route, the PRC said.
Moreover, the PRC said 210 devotees had asked for assistance in helping find their missing companions during the procession.
During the procession, about 2,000 Red Cross personnel and volunteers were deployed, equipped with ambulances, rescue trucks, utility vehicles and rescue boats.
“The Philippine Red Cross never fails to support this beautiful Filipino tradition by providing life-saving measures to the devotees,” PRC chairman and Senator Richard Gordon said in a statement.
“This wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and sacrifice of all our volunteers who worked tirelessly even before the day of the feast. We are all proud to have you in the Philippine Red Cross,” Gordon said. /jpv