Don't bring 'selfie' sticks, Black Nazarene attendees urged

MANILA, Philippines - Manila officials urged those attending the Feast of the Black Nazarene to avoid using "selfie" sticks and other gadget extension tools during the procession.

Johnny Yu, officer-in-charge of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said while there is no lethal threat posed by selfie sticks, devotees are better off not bringing them.

“Hindi naman po nabanggit na ipinagbabawal ang mga gadget accessories na 'yan… pero mas maganda nga sana kung huwag nang magdala ng ganyan. Kung meron mang magdadala niyan ay huwag dun sa mismong prusisyon at mga crowd ng tao dahil baka may matapilok o matamaan, iyon po ang delikado,” Yu said.

Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, hermano mayor for the Black Nazarene Feast, said the city government's main role and priority during the procession is to keep peace, order, safety and cleanliness in the areas concerned.

“Kailangan po sanang makipagtulungan ang bawat isa para matiyak natin ang kaligtasan, kaayusan at kalinisan ng lahat ng mga aktibidad ng pista,” Estrada said.

Millions of devotees are expected to attend the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday.