Despite the lingering threat of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), thousands of devotees physically attended masses on the feast of the Santo Niño de Tondo and de Pandacan on Sunday.
Data from the Manila Police District (MPD) showed that around 2,000 people were present during the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Tondo's first and second masses.
The number of people slowly decreased from 1,500 on the third and fourth masses and down to 1,000 on the fifth and sixth masses.
The said church has a capacity of 300 people inside the church, with physical distancing measures in place, and 3,000 people outside.
Meanwhile, the Santo Niño de Pandacan Parish drew a smaller crowd.
Around 800 people were present for the first and second mass, 550 for the fourth mass, 300 on the fifth mass, and 200 on the sixth mass.
It has a capacity of 150 people inside the church, with physical distancing measures implemented, and 300 people outside.
The police, Manila city government, and church officials said the event was "generally peaceful."
Church officials and the Manila city government encouraged devotees to stream the live broadcasts of the mass on the said churches' Facebook pages.
Earlier, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso banned street parades, stage shows, street games, and other outside activities over the weekend in light of COVID-19.
A liquor ban was also enforced.