The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will dispatch over 300 volunteers, fire trucks, and ambulance teams starting Saturday, Jan. 7 to standby for the much anticipated "Walk of Faith" procession in Manila.
These volunteers will be positioned in four PRC first aid stations and welfare desks along the procession route to assist the attendees with their medical and other emergency needs.
Seventeen teams of foot patrollers serving as mobile first-aiders will also join the parade on Jan. 9.
"A stampede and other incidents can happen in large crowds. We will prepare and deploy our volunteers, ambulance teams, and Emergency Response Units to ensure the safety of participants in the Black Nazarene Feast," PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon said in a statement on Friday, Jan. 6.
The organization also released a list of safety reminders and guidelines for the Walk of Faith attendees.
"Secure your house before leaving. Unplug all electrical appliances.
Be mentally and physically prepared. Pregnant women and persons who are sick are advised to stay home and rest.
Bring protective gear against heat and rain.
When coming in groups, designate a meeting point in case someone gets lost. Know the location, means of access, police stations, and first aid stations within the area.
If there is an untoward incident, do not panic but take necessary precautions.
Keep an ID with personal medical information and emergency contact numbers with you.
Bring water, food, and medications. Wear a facemask, and practice proper disinfection.
Wear proper clothing and footwear. Avoid accessories.
Download the FIRST AID - IFRC APP, in case of emergency, call the Red Cross 143 hotline or 87902300."
PRC also noted that minimum public health protocols shall still be practiced to avoid transmission of the Covid-9 virus.
As per the report of the Manila Police District, an estimated five million devotees are expected to attend the procession which will start after the 12-midnight mass on Jan. 8 from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.
The traditional "traslacion" of the Black Nazarene remains suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.