Philippines: Hundreds injured in Catholic parade in Manila Jan. 9

Event

One devotee died from a heart attack and over 800 people were injured in Manila on Tuesday, January 9, when millions took part in a religious procession. This popular event began before dawn on Tuesday, ending some 22 hours later. During the parade police shut down mobile phone signals to prevent possible terrorist attacks.

Context

The annual feast of the Black Nazarene, one of the world's largest Catholic festivals, drew over 3 million devotees. Two people died during the 2016 event.

Advice

As a reminder, martial law is in place across the whole of Mindanao (South) until December 31, 2018. A "state of national emergency on account of lawless violence" remains in place across the rest of the country. Individuals present in this southeast Asian archipelago country should expect random checkpoints, security patrols, and a more visible routine security presence.