Cops, devotees scuffle at Ayala Bridge during Nazareno 2025

An altercation ensued between police personnel and devotees at the Ayala Bridge amid the Traslacion or the procession during the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno in Manila on Thursday.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Thursday, police officers requested devotees not to cross the Ayala Bridge to avoid obstructing the path of the image of the Jesus Nazareno.

However, several devotees refused to heed the call and attempted to force their way through the police barricade.

“Nirerespeto namin sila kaso nga lang panata talaga namin to eh,” said a devotee.

(We respect the police, but this is our vow.)

This led to a scuffle between the two groups, where some devotees were cornered and one police officer received at least four hits to the head.

Meanwhile, the crowd of devotees grew larger at the Ayala Bridge as soon as the Jesus Nazareno arrived.

The immense volume of the crowd led to the destruction of a street sign located at the intersection between Palanca Street and Ayala Bridge.

Meanwhile, volunteer rescuers risked their lives to aid devotees who needed medical assistance but were trapped in the middle of the mass of people.

“Nakakataba po kasi ng puso [‘yung] pagiging volunteer po, lalo na po yung pasasalamat ng tao. Parang ‘yun po ‘yung nakakabawi po sa pagod namin dahil pinapasalamatan po kami ng walang hinihinging kapalit,” said volunteer John Iverson Perlas.

([Being] a volunteer really warms my heart, especially when people appreciate our efforts. It sort of validates our exhaustion because they thank us without asking for anything in return.)

Devotees continued to follow the Jesus Nazareno past the Ayala Bridge despite several persons falling ill or getting hurt.

Earlier, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said three people were treated for injuries after they tried to climb the andas or the wheeled carriage carrying the image.

The Red Cross said it responded to over 111 patients in the early hours of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Thursday. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News