Only portion of the cross was bent during procession: Manila city hall

January 9, 2020

Officials from the city government of Manila on Thursday clarified the cross  carried by the image of the Black Nazarene was not broken during the annual Traslacion but only a portion was bent.

In a statement, Julius Leonen, Manila Public Information Officer, said that portion of the image could be detached and bent.

“While it’s true that a portion of the cross was bended when it was turning right on Hidalgo Street, that portion was actually detachable and bendable,” Lenonen said.

He said the photographer who gave the photos they released earlier was not able to provide full context of the situation.

“Rest assured that this office will learn from this incident to serve you better as the Manila City government’s public relations and communications arm,” he said.

Devotees started mobbing the Black Nazarene’s carriage after police officers stopped guarding the Andas as part of what they agreed with the organizers upon reaching Carlos Palanca Street.

According to the Manila Public Information Office as of 1:38 pm, a total of 2, 220, 000 joined the annual procession while 132, 000 stayed at the Quiapo Church waiting for the Black Nazarene’s return. Ella Dionisio/DMS