Black Nazarene cross just ‘bent’ not ‘broken’, says Manila-PIO
Credit to Author: Aric John Sy Cua| Date: Thu, 09 Jan 2020 06:50:48 +0000
THE cross of the Black Nazarene was just “bent” during the procession in Manila on Thursday, the Manila-Public Information Office (PIO) said, shortly after it reported that it was “broken”.
READ: Black Nazarene cross breaks during procession
The Manila-PIO came out with its clarification in a series of tweets after it showed a photo of what appeared to be a split cross when it reached Hidalgo Street before noon.
“While it is true that a portion of the Cross was bended when it was turning right on Hidalgo Street, that portion was actually detachable and bendable,” the Manila office tweeted.
It also clarified that the unidentified photographer who shot the image did not provide full details of what had happened during the procession.
“The photographer who sent photos and details to this office was not able to provide us a full context of the situation,” the Manila-PIO said.
“Rest assured that this office will learn from this incident to serve you better as the Manila City government’s public relations and communications arm,” it said.
Before Thursday’s incident, the cross was reported to have “bent” twice over the past five years — once in 2019 and another in 2014 — after a “surge of devotees” tried to reach the Nazarene.
The procession of the Nazarene began at the Quirino Grandstand at 4 a.m. on Thursday and would end in Quiapo Church, where the image of the black Jesus Christ would be returned. ARIC JOHN SY CUA