Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
Devotees carry the Black Nazarene to be placed on a carriage before an annual procession in Rizal park, metro Manila, Philippines January 9, 2017. Reuters

More than a million Philippine devotees joined the huge annual Black Nazarene procession on Monday, parading a black statue of Jesus Christ through the old commercial center of the capital Manila. Every year, the Black Nazarene, which is a centuries-old wooden statue, is paraded through Manila in one of the biggest Roman Catholic observances in the country.

The devotees were seen crowding around the carriage and pulling the statue by ropes and pushing from behind. The Black Nazarene is believed to have healing powers. The devotees feel that even the slightest touch of the statue would bless them and heal their illnesses.

This year, the police had warned of "possible terrorist threats to the procession" and had advised the attendees to be on high alert. Nearly 4,000 soldiers, police and emergency workers were put on duty for the procession to avoid any such serious incidents. The authorities banned the use of drones and firecrackers and mobile services were also disrupted in the area.

Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
A boy holds onto a replica of the Black Nazarene as they wait for the main religious procession in Manila, Philippines January 9, 2017. Reuters
Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
Devotees climb on a carriage to hold the Black Nazarene during an annual procession in Rizal park, metro Manila, Philippines January 9, 2017. Reuters
Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
Devotees climb on a carriage to hold the Black Nazarene during an annual procession in Rizal park, metro Manila, Philippines January 9, 2017. Reuters
Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
The carriage carrying the Black Nazarene makes it way through people as it is pulled by devotees during an annual procession in Rizal park, metro Manila, Philippines January 9, 2017. Reuters
Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
Members of Special Action Force policemen take position as they guard the Black Nazarene religious procession in Manila, Philippines January 9, 2017. Reuters
Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
Members of Special Action Force policemen take up position as they guard the Black Nazarene religious procession in Manila, Philippines January 9, 2017. Reuters
Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
Devotees bless with holy water their replica of a Black Nazarene two days before the annual procession of the Black Nazarene in metro Manila, Philippines January 7, 2017. Reuters
Millions of devotees in Philippines join Black Nazarene procession
Devotees parade with replica of a Black Nazarene two days before the annual procession of the Black Nazarene in metro Manila, Philippines January 7, 2017 Reuters