More than 2,000 emergencies during Nazarene procession

Jee Y. Geronimo

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(2nd UPDATE) As of 6 pm, DOH records 1,686 health consultations while the Philippine Red Cross says they assisted 832 other patients

DEVOTION. As of 11 am, the health department records 358 health consultations during the Black Nazarene procession. Photo by Franz Lopez/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – Medical workers and volunteers have so far attended to more than 2,000 emergencies as of Thursday noon, January 9, during the annual Black Nazarene procession in the city of Manila.

At least 12 people were also brought to hospitals.

Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag in a tweet gave a breakdown of the patients’ conditions, including stroke, chest pain, fracture, seizure, high blood pressure, dislocation, sprain, and dehydration.


As of 6 pm, Tayag said 1,686 people consulted for health conditions such as abrasions, wounds, dizziness, and fainting. The number includes consultations not related to the procession, he added. 

The Philippine Red Cross also assisted 832 other patients.


On Wednesday night, January 8, Tayag said 14 medical teams would be deployed for the procession, with DOH hospitals on white alert.

“A Code White Alert is declared when there is a mass gathering or national event,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona earlier said. He said the medical teams would be ready for deployment in the event of mass casualty incident, or as requested by local government units.

The Black Nazarene procession held every January 9 draws millions of devotees from all over the country to see or touch the dark-skinned image of the suffering Christ. (READ: Nazareno: Does it make the Pinoy a better neighbor)

About a thousand were injured in last year’s procession, based on reports of various health units. – Rappler.com

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Jee Y. Geronimo

Jee is part of Rappler's Central Desk, handling most of the world, science, and environment stories on the site. She enjoys listening to podcasts and K-pop, watching Asian dramas, and running long distances. She hopes to visit Israel someday to retrace the steps of her Savior.