Black Nazarene procession
draws millions
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Photos by Bob Manzano •
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MANILA – More than three million barefoot people joined this year’s procession of the statue known as the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church on Monday, January 9, despite a warning from President Aquino that a terrorist plot might target the gathering.
About 15,000 police officers, backed by hundreds of army troops, secured the five-kilometre procession route while Air Force helicopters, hospitals and ambulances were kept at the ready. Sniffer dogs were deployed and fireworks were banned. Cell phone service was blocked in procession areas to prevent the possibility of remotely triggered terrorist bombs.
No terrorist attack materialized during the 22-hour procession but nearly 600 people were treated for exhaustion, bruises and minor injuries following a stampede in the early hours of the parade. According to the Red Cross, dozens of people were also hospitalized due to fractures and hypertension.
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Kevin Chief joins cabinet
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Kevin Chief (left) with Lt. Governor Philip Lee at swearing in ceremony, January 13, 2012
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WINNIPEG – Kevin Chief, MLA for Point Douglas and friend of the Manitoba Filipino community, is one of two new MLA’s appointed to Premier Selinger’s cabinet. He will take on the portfolio of a newly created department as Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities.
The appointment was part of a cabinet shake up announced by the premier on Friday, January 13, which also announced creation of the new department.
“Kevin’s already made a difference in the lives of many youth and in his new role, he’ll be in charge of creating opportunities for more kids and keeping them out of crime,” said Selinger in a press release.
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