CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – An estimated 30,000 people are expected to witness the “Maleldo,” the renowned Lenten tradition here on Good Friday highlighted by the reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ by dozens of penitents as thanksgiving for favors or vow of sacrifice.
A MAN lifts his child in front of the cross on Tuesday, April 4, where the re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ will take place on Good Friday, April 7, in San Fernando City, Pampanga. (AFP)
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office urged people to maintain minimum health standards such as wearing face masks and social distancing.
Bring water and keep hydrated, the CDRRMO added.
Maleldo will be held in Barangays San Pedro Cutud, Santa Lucia, San Juan, and San Jose from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hundreds of police officers, responders, and force multipliers will be deployed to medical outposts, traffic routes, and crowd control areas.
Public assistance centers have also been established.
Video and picture-taking have been restricted and only drones and other recording equipment with approval from the City Tourism Office will be allowed in the venues.
Barangay security will control the taking of photos to prevent irresponsible posting online.
A devout Catholic, Ruben Enaje, will be crucified for the final time on Good Friday.
The 62-year-old billboard maker has been reenacting the passion of Christ every Good Friday since 1986.
The City Tourism Office said that hundreds of flagellants will join the reenactment of the Via Crucis or the Way of the Cross.