00:00The procession for the Feast of the Black Nazarene has officially began.
00:04At around 4 in the morning, the procession made its way through the streets of Rojas Boulevard
00:09and is now headed towards Capo Church.
00:13The carriage that will carry the image around the Feast of the Black Nazarene,
00:17or otherwise called the Andas, will now make its way through the streets of Manila
00:21until it reaches Capo Church.
00:23Now, according to the Manila Police District, or MPD,
00:25a total of 100,000 people attended the Misa Mayor, or Midnight Mass,
00:31that was presided over by Bishop Rufino Sescon of the Diocese of Balanga.
00:36In his homily, Sescon emphasized the theme of this year's celebration,
00:40which is, he must increase and I must decrease, citing John 3, verse 30.
00:47He urged those in public office to step down and heed the calls of the Filipino people
00:51and demanding accountability in the government.
00:53Some of the devotees say they camped out for more than 12 hours
00:58just to show their devotion to the Black Nazarene.
01:02Now, despite the long queues that stretch across Rizal Park,
01:05the MPD says the situation remains generally peaceful.
01:09Authorities say the procession is projected to finish in less than 15 hours,
01:15which is significantly shorter compared to previous years.
01:18Alan Nimos reporting.
01:49We're right back.
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