40,000 queue for “pahalik” devotion

THE second day of the “pahalik” at the Black Nazarene by devotees bringing along their devotion and prayers reached close to 40,000 during its second day at the Quirino Grandstand.

Interviewed over ABS-CBN, Raffy Austero, who hails from San Pedro, Laguna said he led his group while wearing their hiphop clothing with an image of the Nazareno. 

“Lagi na po namin ito na panata, mga ilang taon na rin po. Inaano po namin ‘yung ibang hiphop, mga gang member katulad namin na hinihikayat namin sila na magpunta po dito,” Austero said.

Another devotee, Ronnel Custodio admitted that he was once lost and was even imprisoned for it, but his life changed after his devotion to the Black Nazarene.

“Sa kulungan, lumaya at nagbago dahil sa Ama Nazareno. Nagbabago naman ang tao e. Halos lahat kami panay negosyo na lang, tigil sa mga away, tigil sa gulo,” Custodio said. 

According to Estrella Balubar, even a sleepless night is nothing compared to the experience of having to serve the church to deepen her relationship with God.

“Kahit maliit ako, sumisiksik ako sa loob ng simbahan, makita ko lang siya. Dahil deboto ka, talagang kelangan ibigay mo sa kanya itong araw na ‘to. Buong buhay mo talaga, kelangan maraming lakas,” Balubar said. 

According to the Manila Police District (MPD), some 40,000 devotees had lined up for the “pahalik” since Sunday.

Injured

But a 12-year-old girl was injured after she accidentally stepped on a piece of broken glass.

“Ang reported po sa’min, nabubog po ng bote. Binigyan po namin ng first aid kaagad then nai-stop din naman po ‘yung bleeding. Then, pumirma rin po ng waiver,” according to Ulyssis Castillo, Team Leader ng MMDA Road Emergency Group-Delta Group. 

Tight Security

Meanwhile security at the Quiapo Church remained tight for those going in and out of the Church.

A mobile x-ray and  walkthrough detector ang pulisya sa Plaza Miranda. 

“‘Pag tumunog, ifi-freeze. Tapos saka sila papasok dito sa staging area. So ‘yung mga pinagbabawal of course ‘yung mga deadly weapon, alak bawal din kasi liquor ban, ‘yung mga baril bawal din kasi gun ban,” PCpt. Roel Robles, chief of the Plaza Miranda PCP said.

Banned

Aside from the liquor and gun ban, any type of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices during Nazareno is banned under Executive Order No. 2 that the Manila LGU released.

“May konting delay pero ang maganda safe naman tayo. At saka nilayo na natin dun sa simbahan para dire-diretso ‘yung proseso natin,” PCpt. Robles said.