As the Traslacion procession continues in Manila, the Quiapo Church has reminded the devotees to maintain a safe distance and follow the protocols set by the authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
The church officials reiterated that this year's theme “Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog sa mga umaasa kay Jesus (1 Samuel 15:22) [It is better to obey than to sacrifice for those who hope in Jesus]” aligns with their message to the devotees, stressing that that the focus of the Traslacion should be on prayer, reflection, and devotion, not on gaining physical closeness to the image of the Jesus Nazareno.
The annual procession draws millions of devoted participants, many of whom attempt to get closer to the image by physically climbing onto the andas, which the authorities strictly prohibit as it poses safety risks and disrupts the flow of the procession.
Larger crowds and increased safety measures
Authorities said Traslacion 2025 has seen an increase in attendance compared to last year's event.
By the early hours of the morning, crowd estimates revealed around 220,000 attendees at the Quirino Grandstand alone, marking a notable rise in participants.
After the Misa Mayor, the crowd swelled as thousands more devotees followed the image of the Black Nazarene on foot, many heading towards Quiapo Church for the rest of the procession.
Jerico, 29, shared that he and his friends arrived early at Quirino Grandstand to attend the Misa Mayor but were unable to enter due to the overwhelming number of people.
As of the latest reports, the Nazareno command center estimated 11,500 people at the Quiapo Church, with an additional 80,000 at Luneta.
Meanwhile, local authorities said six dump trucks were continuously hauling garbage around the area.
Despite the higher turnout, they are ensuring that the event remains safe for all, with added crowd control measures and medical assistance readily available.
Tensions escalate near Ayala Bridge
Tensions escalated at Ayala Bridge when devotees, eager to participate in the procession, defied police orders to avoid crossing the bridge, which had been closed for safety reasons.
This confrontation highlights the challenge of managing such a massive turnout and maintaining public safety while respecting the fervor of the participants.
Increased injuries and traffic disruptions
As the procession continues, the number of devotees injured has risen. Reports said at least 300 were injured as of 3:40 p.m.
Many of these injuries were due to pushing and shoving in front of the andas, prompting authorities to reiterate their warnings about the dangers of such acts. Several marshals are on-site to manage the crowds and ensure that the procession can continue safely.
Emergency response teams also recorded devotees who experienced dizziness, wounds, and fainting due to the crowding and intense heat.
As the procession continues, several personnel remain on standby to assist injured devotees.
Along with safety concerns, traffic disruptions have been a challenge during Traslacion 2025.
Streets surrounding the procession route, particularly Taft Avenue and Recto Avenue, have experienced congestion.
Some vendors have been asked to clear the roads to allow the procession to proceed smoothly, while public utility vehicles have been rerouted to minimize delays.
Ongoing efforts for safety
Despite the challenges posed by the larger crowds and heightened excitement, the Manila Police District and traffic management personnel continue to monitor the situation.
With more devotees expected to join the procession, officials are calling on everyone to follow the established protocols and prioritize safety during this significant religious event.
As the procession continues, the dedication of millions of Filipinos underscores the deep devotion to the image of Jesus Nazareno and the importance of faith during this annual event.
As of 4:13 p.m., the procession has yet to reach San Sebastian Church, surpassing last year's timeline when the "Dungaw" was held at 3 p.m.
Around 10,000 devotees are reportedly waiting for the arrival of the image at Jesus Nazareno at San Sebastian Church.