Almost 900 hurt in 'Nazarene' procession

MANILA, Philippines - Almost 900 persons fell ill or have been injured during the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene in Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office said on Thursday.

NCRPO head Chief Superintendent Carmelo Valmoria said that as of 5 p.m., a total of 899 people have been treated at the first aid stations set up along the routes of the traditional "traslacion."

Valmoria, however, could not answer whether there have been reports of pickpocketing during one of the biggest Catholic events in the country.

The Philippine Red Cross earlier estimated that the crowd that flocked to Quiapo church to participate in the event has reached three million. - Dennis Carcamo