1 dead, 84 medically treated as Nazarene procession starts

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED, 2 p.m.) - One devotee died while dozens more were treated for various medical conditions as the annual Black Nazarene procession started on Friday morning.

In a phone-patch interview on ANC, Johnny Yu of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Office said a male devotee suffered a heart attack and was declared dead upon arrival at the Manila Doctors' Hospital.

Citing reports, Yu said the man was on the carriage of the Black Nazarene.

State-run Philippine News Agency reported that the casualty was identified as Renato Guryon, 44, a member of the Hijos Del Nazareno, a religious group securing the carriage.

The report said Guryon suffocated to death when his chest got caught on the stainless railings of the carriage.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, meanwhile, said in an 8 a.m. report that 84 people had been given medical treatment for various conditions: hypertension (66 devotees), abrasions (four), headache (three), toothache (two), arthritis, viral illness, asthma, musculoskeletal strain, ankle sprain, gastritis, laceration, puncture wound and infected wound.

Gwen Pang of the Philippine Red Cross also told ANC in an interview that 45 devotees sustained minor injuries while two others had major cases.

The image of the Black Nazarene left the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park past 8 a.m. and will reach Quiapo Church after the procession that is expected to last for more than 10 hours.

In a live television interview, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno said about one million devotees arrived at the Quirino Grandstand for the start of the procession.

He said the crowd is expected to reach five million by noon.

Last year, the procession lasted about 19 hours and more than 1,600 sustained injuries.

Devotees believe the centuries-old black statue of Jesus Christ carrying a cross is a source of miraculous powers that could cure ailments and provide good health and fortune.

The major religious festival in the Philippines is also a prelude to a much larger turnout expected during next week's visit by Pope Francis. -with the Associated Press