MANILA - A member of the Hijos del Nazareno died during the start of the procession of the Black Nazarene at Rizal Park Friday morning.
Johnny Yu of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Office said the fatality was one of several frontliners who protect the Black Nazarene image.
"The devotee had a heart attack and was rushed to the Manila Doctors Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival," he said.
Yu said there is no confirmation that the devotee was trapped on top of the carriage at the start of the procession.
He said it is likely that the devotee had been suffering fatigue after protecting the image since last night.
At least 450 devotees have received medical treatment since last night.
A Pope Patroller report also said three men were arrested after setting off firecrackers near the Nazarene devotees.
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