Solemn procession draws 1.8M crowd

CEBU, Philippines – A brewing storm did not stop the 1.8 million devotees of Sr. Santo Niño from paying homage to the miraculous image by joining the solemn procession yesterday afternoon.

Despite the magnitude of the crowd joining the foot procession, Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa, deputy regional director for operations and officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Police Office, said the activity went on smoothly, peacefully, and orderly.

There were, however, three people arrested, including an American citizen, for interrupting the religious gathering and offending religious feelings in violations of Article 132 and 133 of the Revised Penal Code.

Michael Bradley, 46, of Florida, USA and his wife Elcel Bradley,28, from  Palawan with Rebecca Muñoz, 29 were arrested for trying to disturb the devotees at the procession route by using mega phone.

Chief Inspector Wildemar Tiu, Fuente Police chief, said that the American tried to resist arrest by invoking his freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

Except for this minor incident, the police reported no other untoward incidents along the procession route.

The procession was also finished earlier this year compared to last year.

Chief Inspector Enrique Belciña said the head of procession reached the Basilica at 3:20 p.m. while the carroza carrying the image of the Holy Child entered the pilgrim center at 6 p.m. in time for the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Archbishop of Sorsogon, Msgr. Arturo Bastes.

In his homily, Bastes urged the faithful to continue practicing the values of the Holy Child.

Bastes said it is significant for the Philippines to celebrate the feast of the Holy Child since it is cradle of Christianity in Asia.

“Kini dako kaayo nga grasya sa mga Pilipino. Mga pinili gayud kita sa Diyos nga mahimong mga disipolo ni Kristo,” Bastes said.— with May B. Miasco/FPL (FREEMAN)