By Analou de Vera
The Department of Health (DOH) has urged those devotees who have ailments not to join the annual procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Wednesday, January 9, to ensure their health and safety.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
"Kung meron po kayong karamdaman mabuting umilag na po kayo at huwag nang sumali. Magdasal na lang kayo sa loob ng inyong mga tahanan ," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday.
"Palagay ko naman, hindi mababawasan ang basbas ng Diyos sa inyo dahil maiintindihan naman po ng Diyos na kayo ay may sakit na ," he added.
The health chief said that during the previous years, majority of the devotees have suffered from hypertension.
The DOH will be deploying 14 medical teams along the route of the procession. The Manila health department and the Philippine Red Cross will also deploy medical teams.
Approximately five million devotees are expected to join the procession. It is believed that the iconic Black Nazarene image has performed miracles for its devotees.