The Department of Health (DOH) reminded devotees of the Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, Jan. 8, to prioritize their safety amid the risk of stampede during the 2026 Traslacion procession on Jan. 9, which is expected to draw millions of participants.
The Health Department made the statement as it issued guidelines on how to protect oneself from injury or even death in case a stampede occurs.
It also reminded the public of the following warning signs of a stampede to watch out for:
• Excessive pushing from the crowd
• Difficulty in raising one's foot
• Sudden and simultaneous movement of people
• Trouble in breathing
The agency had also reminded the public of the following symptoms that are expected to be felt during the procession:
• Extreme thirstiness
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Vomiting
• Heat exhaustion
• Chest pains
People experiencing these warnings or any health-related concerns are urged to proceed to the nearest Health Emergency Response Team stations, established by the DOH along the Traslacion route:
• Quirino Grandstand
• Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard
• National Museum (Exit Point)
• Cebuana Luillier (near SM Manila)
• Sun Trust (near Ayala Bridge)
• Stretch of P. Casal
• Quinta Market Parking
• Villarica Pawnshop, Quezon Boulevard
• Technological Institute of the Philippines cor. Lingkod Bayan (Arlequi cor. P. Casal)
• San Sebastian Church Ground
• MLQU Ground
• One Quiapo Hotel, Quezon Boulevard
• In front of BDO (C. Palanca cor. P. Gomez)
• MCGI Quiapo, Quezon Boulevard
• In front of 7-Eleven & Chowking
• In front of PhiTrust Bank