Nazareno devotees told: Don’t bring selfie sticks

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos may be fond of taking photos, but during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday, January 8, the Manila city government is asking devotees to leave their selfie sticks at home.

While selfie sticks are not banned for those joining the “traslacion,” or the transfer of the Black Nazarene, government officials are appealing to devotees to avoid bringing selfie sticks, camera stands, or other gadget extension devices that may cause inconvenience during the religious event. 

“These gadget accessories are not prohibited, but it would be better if they are not brought to the event. If people insist on bringing them, please don’t bring them during the procession or while among the crowd,” said Johnny Yu, officer-in-charge of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. 

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the Philippines’ biggest religious gatherings, drawing millions of devotees every year. The Catholic faithful join in the procession of a 17th-century mulatto image of Jesus Christ around a pre-designated route.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada asked the public to cooperate with security officials to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the event.

“I believe our main role and priority here is to keep peace and order, to ensure the safety of all the people in the procession, and to ensure there will be no obstruction in the procession, and to maintain cleanliness of all the roads where the procession will pass,” he said.

Government agencies are on heightened alert for the event. Authorities earlier announced the closure of several roads in Manila, as well as a traffic rerouting scheme during the procession. – Rappler.com