20 to be crucified on Good Friday

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – At least 20 persons will be crucified or nailed to wooden crosses in a makeshift Golgotha in barangays San Pedro Cutud, Santa Lucia and San Juan here on Good Friday.

This was announced at a press conference yesterday by Marnie Castro, vice chairman of “Maleldo 2012” or the re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.

Ben Enaje, a resident of San Pedro Cutud who again plays the role of Christ this year, will be nailed for the 26th time on a wooden cross on a man-made hill in his barangay.

The most renowned among the penitents, Enaje said this is his vow as a way of thanking God for his survival in a fall from a scaffolding during work.

He said he will continue doing this every Good Friday as long as he can.

Aside from Enaje, the other penitents to be nailed on the cross are Angelito Mengillo, Arnold Meniego, Byron Gomez, Willy Salvador, Angelito Manansala, Jonny Manansala, Ramil Lazaro, Marben Unquico, Arnel Sanggalang, Victor Caparas, Rolando Ocampo, Orlando Valentin, Arnel Reyes, Rolando Baking and four others, according to councilor Jimmy Lazatin, chairman of Maleldo 2012.

The re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion is practiced every year in this city where the Via Crusis (Way of the Cross) was originally staged in 1955.

Lazatin said they are expecting about 40,000 to 50,000 foreign and local tourists to flock to the crucifixion sites, including foreign dignitaries.

At least 200 policemen as well as K-9 dogs will be deployed to provide security to the visitors.

The penitents will be nailed one by one starting at 2 p.m.