Three Devotees Die During Black Nazarene Procession as Hospitals Race to Respond
BLACK NAZARENE – What began as a powerful display of faith during the Black Nazarene procession was marked by tragedy after a hospital confirmed multiple deaths linked to the event.
Three devotees who took part in the annual Black Nazarene procession have died after being brought to the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), according to a hospital official on Saturday.
JRRMMC is among the 20 medical facilities designated by the Department of Health (DOH) to respond to emergencies during the celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno. The event draws millions of devotees each year, many of whom brave long hours, intense crowding, and physical strain to join religious rites such as the Traslacion.
In an episode of dzMM Teleradyo, Dr. Cynthia Versoza, chairperson of the Emergency Service Complex of the DOH in JRRMMC, said 23 patients had been brought to the hospital as of 6 a.m. on Saturday. She explained that the tally began as early as January 8, coinciding with the “Pahalik” of the image of Jesus Nazareno held at the Quirino Grandstand.
Versoza said one devotee was rushed to the hospital early Friday morning after suffering from a heart attack. She added that the patient eventually died in the hospital despite revival efforts. She also said two other victims were found unconscious and rushed to the hospital, but were declared dead on arrival. Versoza did not provide further details on the three fatalities.
The hospital official also addressed reports surrounding the death of a photojournalist during the religious gathering. Versoza clarified that a photojournalist who died while covering the religious celebration was not brought to the hospital.
Earlier, the Manila Police District (MPD) said the photojournalist, identified as Itoh Son, reportedly came from another assignment before proceeding to MPD Station 5 near the Quirino Grandstand ahead of the Traslacion but collapsed. Authorities noted that he was taken to the Ospital ng Maynila, where he was declared dead.
As of this writing, the Philippine National Police and other authorities have yet to confirm the three deaths reported by the hospital. Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office said it recorded two deaths linked to the procession but could not immediately provide complete information.
On the health front, the DOH reported 963 injuries in its partial count as of 6 a.m. on Saturday, with the Traslacion still ongoing after nearly 29 hours. Many devotees experienced headaches, hypertension, or hypotension, lacerations, fractures, and injuries caused by falls.
The DOH earlier raised a “Code White” alert for the annual event to ensure that immediate medical assistance is available to devotees in need throughout the celebration.