'May mga buhay po na nabago': Devotees fill Quiapo streets for Good Friday procession

Past 11:30 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, the Good Friday procession began as the Black Nazarene statue emerged from the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. Screenshot from video by the Manila Police District Public Information Office

MANILA — The streets of Quiapo, Manila transformed into a sea of devotees on late Maundy Thursday as the "andas" or carriage of the Black Nazarene emerged from the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, marking the start of the annual Good Friday procession.

The carriage exited the church gates past 11:30 p.m., met by thousands of faithful devotees who had been camping in the vicinity for hours.

Inaasahan ng Manila Police District (MPD) na aabot sa mahigit limandaang libong deboto ang makikiisa sa #GoodFridayProcession ng Poong Nazareno.

Nilatagan nito ng mga pulis ang 11 segments na daraanan ng prusisyon para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng publiko.@ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/mBTQwoU7L2

— Addie Beatrice Cuadra (@Beatrice_Cuadra) April 2, 2026

To ensure the safety of the massive crowd, 3,200 police officers were deployed to the scene, said Manila Police District (MPD) Spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines.

The figure, Ines noted, excludes personnel from other government agencies providing support for the religious event.

The procession is divided into 11 segments, each heavily guarded by police units. 

While officials have yet to release a final crowd estimate, they are bracing for numbers that could eclipse previous records. Last year, over half a million devotees participated in the solemn rite.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa [number]. At 'pag natapos na itong naitawid natin itong ating activity na 'to, doon natin malalaman kung ilan talaga 'yung ating mga deboto na nag-participate dito,” Ines said on the current crowd size.

Despite the density of the crowd, the MPD reported no major crimes or untoward incidents related to the procession as of midnight on Friday. Security remains tight with active checkpoints and ongoing anti-criminality operations throughout the district.

For the devotees, the physical toll of the procession is secondary to their spiritual commitment. Many, like Adoracion Suratos, have made the pilgrimage a lifelong family tradition.

“Kasi grupo po kami eh, mula pa nung nabubuhay po 'yung asawa ko, inumpisahan na po namin… Maganda naman po kasi hindi umulan, tapos maganda 'yung dating namin dito. Maayos… Eh medyo mahirap ho nung nakaraan kasi siksikan po noon eh. Eh ngayon po naman maayos 'yung ano, ang dating,” Suratos said.

Others, like Argy Legarda, view the event as a sanctuary for their personal struggles and a platform for gratitude.

“Kasi panata na po namin 'to eh. May mga buhay po na nabago, meron din naman po mga hinanakit sa buhay o mga paghihirap na kung saan binibigay namin sa Senyor lahat ng kailangan namin at siyempre pasasalamat din po sa patuloy na patnubay at gabay sa amin,” Legarda explained.

Ines said the procession is expected to last approximately 12 hours, with the andas likely returning to the Quiapo Church around 11:00 a.m. on Friday.

Authorities urged the public to follow safety protocols and remain vigilant.

Ines said: “Sa ating mga deboto, patuloy nating pinapanawagan na sumunod po tayo doon sa mga tagubilin ng ating simbahan, ng ating otoridad. At kung sakali po na may mapapansin po kayong mga kahina-hinalang indibidwal base po sa kanilang mga presensya at galaw, i-report niyo po agad sa inyong awtoridad.”

Motorists are also encouraged to check the Manila Police District's social media pages for traffic advisories, as road closures currently in effect across the city.