Minor injuries reported in Black Nazarene prep

Some Black Nazarene devotees sustained minor injuries during activities at Quirino Grandstand as preparations for the icon's return to Quiapo Church continued on Tuesday.

As of 2:00 am Tuesday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority medic team reported a total of 90 incidents, including 81 medical cases such as hypertension and fainting, mostly affecting senior citizens, and nine trauma cases like minor abrasions. By late Tuesday morning, MPD recorded an additional 38 injuries among the estimated 600,000 devotees.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr. presided over a 'Misa Mayor' before the procession began, with more than 300,000 devotees attending the Mass at Quirino Grandstand on Tuesday night.

The image of the Black Nazarene was displayed for devotees to touch and kiss during the 'Pahalik' ceremony.

Despite the large number of participants, no major cases were reported, highlighting the generally safe conditions of the event. MPD station 3 commander Police Colonel Leandro Gutierrez advised those who feel unwell to stay at home and monitor the procession on TV.