Erap: Zero deaths in Traslacion 2017 God's miracle

MANILA, Philippines — The 22-hour Traslacion 2017 ended peacefully on Tuesday dawn and with no death recorded so far.

Designated Hermano Mayor of the Quiapo Fiesta, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Tuesday attributed this to "God’s miracle.”

“It’s God’s miracle that no one was seriously hurt, no one died. No matter how excellent our preparations are, it is God’s doing that we’re able to hold the Traslacion safely and peacefully,” he said.

Estrada lauded the city’s police and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Armed Forces and other government agencies, Church officials, government and private rescue groups, volunteers, other participants, and the devotees for their “cooperation and hard work.”

“We’ve been preparing for the Traslacion as early as July and I can say this is the product of their hard work and cooperation. Definitely, we will make more improvements next year so we can achieve ‘zero casualty’ again,” Estrada said.

Manila Police District director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel also expressed relief that no one died during the 22-hour process.

The NCRPO said the procession was also peaceful citing that there were no untoward incidents. He said there were only injured devotees as well as missing children and reported devotees who fainted.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday said he prayed that no untoward would occur during the religious event.

"Nagdadasal ako na, sana Lord patapusin mo kami na sana walang masamang mangyari. Sabi nga ni Lord eh: 'Do your best and I will do the rest'... so again, kahit hindi pa tapos, congratulations sa inyong effort, tulong at malasakit para matapos natin ito nang walang problema,” Dela Rosa said when he visited the command center.

For its part, Quiapo Church likewise thanked everyone who made the Traslacion successful.

“Muli po kaming nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga tumulong at nagdasal para sa matagumpay na pagdaraos ng #Traslacion2017. Viva Poong Hesus Nazareno,” the church said in its Facebook account. — PNA with a report from Philstar.com/Rosette Adel