4 Deaths noted as Nazareno 2026 Translacion becomes longest in history

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded four deaths during the 2026 Translacion of the Jesus Nazareno from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10 in Manila, after nearly 31 hours — the longest in history.

As hospitals, police, and church officials release updated figures on medical cases recorded, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) reported three deaths on Saturday involving devotees who were brought to the hospital.

Dr. Cynthia Versoza, chairperson of the Emergency Service Complex of the Department of Health at JRRMMC, said the hospital received 23 patients as of six in the morning on Saturday. 

Veroza said one devotee was rushed to the hospital early Friday after suffering a heart attack. 

The patient died despite efforts by medical personnel to revive him. 

Veroza added that two other devotees were found unconscious and were “declared dead on arrival” at the hospital. 

She clarified that the patient tally began on Jan. 8 during the Pahalik of the Image of Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand. 

Earlier, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported two deaths based on police monitoring during the procession. 

NCRPO officials said the two devotees collapsed during the Translacion and were later pronounced dead. 

Meanwhile, Nazareno 2026 spokesperson Father Robert Arellano reported four deaths. 

“Currently we have 29 cases na closely mino-monitor natin,” Fr. Arellano said. 

“I would like to ask and appeal to everyone to say a little prayer na hindi na mag-increase ang casualties at makabalik ang andas sa simbahan, at most especially, makabalik ang mga deboto natin ng ligtas sa kani-kanilang pamilya, sa kani-kanilang tahanan,” Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan said. 

The Manila Police District (MPD) on Friday identified Itoh Son, a photojournalist, who reportedly came from another assignment before going to MPD Station 5 near the Quirino Grandstand ahead of the Translacion but collapsed.

MPD clarified that Son was brought to the Ospital and was declared dead on arrival. 

The Department of Health (DOH) logged 963 injuries from its partial count as of 6 a.m. on Saturday. 

DOH noted that many devotees suffered from headache, hypertension or hypotension, laceration, fracture, and fall. 

The Feast of Jesus Nazareno is held every Jan. 9 and draws millions of devotees, prompting hospitals and authorities to place medical facilities under a Code White alert for the celebration.