The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has expressed concern over the rising number of patients this year during the annual Traslacion procession of the Jesus Nazarene.

According to PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, the number of reported cases this year is increasing faster compared to Traslacion 2025.

“Nababahala rin kami, eh medyo ngayon maaga-aga pa lang, pumalo pa lang ng 12 noon ay ‘yong mga reported cases natin ay madami-dami na,” Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang said.

As of 12:00 noon, PRC recorded 243 minor injuries, a rapid rise compared to the 486 minor injuries reported throughout last year’s procession.

Meanwhile, 14 patients have been transported to hospitals so far, compared to 31 transported last year. Major cases have also reached 10, in contrast to 25 major cases during the entire procession in 2025.

Tragically, one person, a photojournalist, has died due to an alleged cardiac arrest.

Pang noted that the procession this year appears to be moving slower than last year, citing minor incidents such as a carriage hitting a gutter.

Among the major cases, patients include pregnant women, individuals who fainted, and those with head injuries, fractures, lacerations, and dislocated shoulders.

“Kagabi nga may tinatahi na kami kasi nasugatan then nag-anti tetano vaccination na tayo,” Pang added.

The secretary general cited that minor cases have reached 243 as of noon, while 225 people are currently undergoing vital signs monitoring.

Patients were transported to various hospitals, including the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Tondo Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, and Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.

Pang emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety during the festival.

“Lagi namin pinagbibilin na kailangan siguraduhin natin nasa tamang kondisyon ang ating katawan bago tayo sumabak sa trabaho man or dahil sa ating pamamanata. Kailangan unahin natin ang safety,” she said.