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Red Cross to deploy 2,000 volunteers for Black Nazarene feast

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/01/04/20170109-nazareno-traslacion-procession-36-jc.jpg"/><figcaption>Devotees try to touch the rope that pulls the carriage of the image as they participate in the procession of the Black Nazarene in Manila, January 9, 2017. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</figcaption></figure></div> MANILA - Some 2,000 Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers will be deployed to provide first aid and assistance to devotees who will participate in the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Tuesday. The Red Cross said it would also deploy 44 ambulances, a fire truck and a rescue truck, and set up first aid stations and an emergency medical unit for the annual procession, which draws millions.Every year, several devotees sustain injuries or experience health problems in the struggle to touch the centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene.Some devotees have even died amid the crush of devotees that swarm the image at the annual event, among the biggest yearly religious gatherings in predominantly Catholic Philippines. PRC&#x27;s first aid stations will be placed at these points along the procession route: the Aquino monument, the Round Table (Manila City Hall), Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Mexico (Post Office), Lacson (Sta. Cruz area), San Sebastian, Jones Bridge, and near Quiapo Church.&quot;Like those who have dedicated their lives to their devotion to the Black Nazarene, it has been like a devotion for us as well at the Red Cross to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the devotees during the height of the Traslacion,&quot; said PRC chair Sen. Richard Gordon.In 2017, Red Cross volunteers attended to a total of 2,566 devotees during the Black Nazarene procession, Gordon said. Among earlier recorded cases were those who suffered dizziness, hypertension, sprain or fracture, and those in need of assistance in looking for missing companions.

Some 2,000 Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers will be deployed to provide first aid and assistance to devotees who will participate in the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Tuesday.

Some 2,000 Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers will be deployed to provide first aid and assistance to devotees who will participate in the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Tuesday.