Good Friday crucifixions resume in Pampanga's San Fernando City

After a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eight penitents in Pampanga's San Fernando City were once again able to fulfill their "panata" or religious vow to have themselves nailed to a cross on Good Friday.

In GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon's CJ Torida's Friday 24 Oras report, 66-year-old Wilfredo Salvador of Barangay San Juan has been having himself crucified for the past 15 years after recovering from an illness.

"Binigyan ako ng himala ng Panginoon," said Salvador.

(The Lord gave me a miracle.)

Meanwhile, in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, Ruben Enaje was likewise able to again have himself crucified.

Enaje has been doing this for the past 34 years.

"Magaang ang pakiramdam ko," said Enaje. "Kahit ngayon, kahit napako na... maganda ang pakiramdam."

(I feel good. Even now, even after having myself crucified... I feel well.)

Some 2,000 people witnessed the crucifixions at sights in Barangays San Juan, San Pedro Cutud, and Santa Lucia.

"It is very interesting in my opinion," said foreign tourist Ewilena Kosciencha. "In Poland, we are Christians, too. But our religion looks different."

"I have never seen nothing like this, you know? Especially the crucifixion," commented another foreign tourist, Larry Cooley.

Meanwhile, the local government said that there were around 1,000 flagellants this year, some of whom were not able to withstand the summer heat and had to be taken to hospital.

"But, overall, the event is generally peaceful," said San Fernando City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office Officer Raymond del Rosario. — DVM, GMA Integrated News