4 reported dead during Traslacion 2026 - Quiapo Church

Four people were reported to have died during the Traslacion 2026, the Quiapo Church administration said Saturday.

“We already have the number of casualties reported to us from the time that the andas arrived at Quiapo Church. We have a total of four casualties,” Nazareno 2026 spokesperson Father Robert Arellano said at a press conference.

“Masasabi natin hindi naman siya ganu’ng kadugo. Ang pinaka-worst na in-expect natin ng ganitong kadaming gathering would be stampede. Ito 'yung ating iniiwasan. Pero nagpapasalamat pa rin tayo, hindi tayo humantong sa ganitong punto,” he added.

(We can say that the celebration was not that bloody. The worst we expected from such a large gathering was a stampede. This is what we are avoiding. But we are still thankful we did not reach that point.)

“Masasabi natin ito ay isa sa may mataas ng datos (We can say that this is one with high figures) when it comes to casualties,” Arellano said, as he expressed sadness over the deaths. 

He also stated that Traslacion 2026 was the longest in its history and attracted the biggest number of devotees.

The image of Jesus Nazareno returned to the Quiapo Church from Quirino Grandstand on Saturday after nearly 31 hours.

The Philippine National Police said this year's Traslacion was assessed as "generally peaceful and orderly," even as it acknowledged the reported deaths in the religious festivity.

JUST IN: Kinumpirma ng pamunuan ng Quiapo Church na apat ang nasawi sa traslasyon ng Poong Jesus Nazareno ngayong taon @dzbb pic.twitter.com/5RAQKQ7ClA

— Luisito Santos (@luisitosantos03) January 10, 2026

Church officials have said that the photojournalist who passed away on Friday while covering the procession was not considered a casualty in the religious activity.

Based on figures by the Quiapo Church, a total of 1,057 medical cases were logged during the Traslacion.

No safety, peace and order, and security incidents were on the official log. Incidents of pickpocketing, however, were earlier reported by multiple devotees to GMA Integrated News.

"Overall, we consider the Traslacion generally peaceful and orderly despite the sheer volume of devotees," said PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said that as of 7:30 a.m. Saturday, its personnel and volunteers have attended to 849 patients since Thursday.

Of the figure, 19 individuals required further medical care safely and were transported to hospitals. 

A total of 2,204 devotees were provided with welfare assistance along the Traslación route in the PRC's 48-hour operation. —VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News