Manila, Jan. 10 -- Quiapo Church officials confirmed two deaths during the course of the grand procession of the Jesus Nazareno, which has now taken more than 24 hours since it left the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park at 4 a.m. on Friday.

Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan, rector of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, more popularly known as Quiapo Church, asked devotees to pray that there would be no more casualties and for the devotees to return safely to their respective families.

"I would like to ask and appeal to everyone, please say a prayer that the number of casualties would no longer increase, and the 'andas' (carriage) to return to the (Quiapo) Church, and most especially, for our fellow devotees to return safe to...