At least 615 treated for injuries, ailments at Nazareno feast

MANILA, Philippines — At least 615 injuries have been reported on Wednesday’s procession of the Black Nazarene, according to the Philippine Red Cross.

Based on its 11 a.m. report, 469 were attended for blood pressure issues, 134 patients were treated for minor cases like difficulty in breathing, fainting, abrasion, bruises, among others.

AS OF 11:00AM Philippine Red Cross has catered 615 patients, composed of blood pressure monitoring to 469 individuals, 134 patients with minor cases (difficulty of breathing, fainting, punctured, abrasion, bruises, laceration, toothache),

— Philippine Red Cross (@philredcross) January 9, 2019

Eight of those were "major cases" such as lacerations, dizziness and injury caused by a blunt object. 

According to the Philippine Red Cross, the patients were transported to the nearest hospital.  

The procession began when the carriage carrying the venerated image of the Black Nazarene was moved out of the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park at around 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning, making its way to the Quiapo Church.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle delivered his homily at the 12 midnight mass this morning for the Feast of the Black Nazarene. 

READ: The Black Nazarene begins journey to Quiapo Church

According to Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, individuals joining the procession reached 1,030,000 as of 9 a.m. 

Filipino Catholics believe that touching the image can heal sickness, grant requests and other personal needs. 

The Philippine Red Cross, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police, are among dozens of organizations deployed to monitor and secure the event. 

READ: Coast Guard, PNP deployed to secure Traslacion 2019

According to the PNP, 7,000 officers from the National Capital Region Police Office were deployed to patrol Manila during the traslacion. — Ryan Macasero