180,000 devotees in Black Nazarene procession: PNP

January 9, 2019

Police said Wednesday around 180,000 devotees were at the C. Palanca-Villalobos area as the procession of the Black Nazarene heads toward Arlegui-Pateros street.

Some 20,000 devotees were at the tail-end of the procession in Plaza Lacson, police added. Around 80,000 devotees are hearing mass at Quiapo Church, police said.

The image of the Black Nazarene left Quirino Grandstand around 5am following a mass celebrated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

Around 781 devotees were catered by the Philippine Red Cross. As of 2 pm, the Red Cross added that  545 asked that their blood pressure be monitored.

Some 224 minor incidents were reported while eight were major such as laceration, difficulty of breathing and dizziness.

PRC conducted a psychosocial support to one person while were brought to nearest hospital.

In a TV interview, Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde said they expect a lot of devotees will be injured during the procession.

"It is expected because of the volume of people," Albayalde said.

He assured the public they are ready to assist all attendees. Ella Dionisio/DMS