(Updated) More devotees attend Nazarene feast celebration this year

(Updated 1:15 p.m.) As the traditional procession of the Black Nazarene image nears, the number devotees continue to go up. Observers say this year's crowd as of 11 a.m. has already exceeded last year's figures. GMA’s Flash Report said devotees – some of whom spent the night near the church area in anticipation of Wednesday’s activities – have already filled the park and thoroughfares near the church before noon. At the nearby Plaza Miranda alone, the crowd was estimated to be at 2,000, the report said. In a separate report, QTV's Balitanghali said as of 1 p.m., police estimate the crowd be be between 25,000 to 30,000. More devotees are still expected to arrive in time for the start of the procession which is scheduled at 1 p.m. Officials expect the crowd to reach the peak of 3 million, the report said. Authorities said ambulances and medical booths have been deployed and set up in strategic areas near the church and along the procession route to aid those who will faint or be injured during the festivities. Meanwhile, several vendors insisted on plying their wares near Quiapo Church despite a one-day ban imposed by local authorities. Radio dzBB reported Wednesday morning that some vendors were bold enough to confront police who tried to dismantle their makeshift stalls, but no major clash was reported. The report said the vendors sold mostly refreshments and Black Nazarene items, including candles, towels and small prayer books, to devotees from the provinces and other parts of Manila. T-shirts are being sold at P100 each while handkerchiefs and scarves are being sold from P25 to P30, while fans may be bought at P10 each. Refreshments such as coconut juice and other cold drinks are being peddled for P20 per plastic cup to thirsty devotees in the procession. On the other hand, some of the devotees reportedly turned parts of Quiapo into a "giant restroom," urinating on the walls and causing some parts of the area to smell. - GMANews.TV