Divine Mercy feast expected to draw thrones of devotees

Around 180,000 devotees are expected to flock to Barangay Ulaliman in El Salvador City for the feast of the Divine Mercy today, Sunday, April 8.

Authorities are beefing up security measures in the area while emergency response teams and centers have been set up to cater to the needs of the pilgrims who stayed since yesterday, April 7.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)-El Salvador head Teddy Bombeo said they have implemented a one-way traffic in the area until the festivities end today.

Bombeo said many of the devotees come from General Santos City, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Zamboanga, and Surigao.

The pilgrims stayed for the overnight vigil, dawn procession and mass earlier today.

“We are asking the devotees to follow the rules, the flow of traffic and if anyone ever feels sick, we have setup many medical stations for these incidents, we also have assistance centers for your concerns,” Bombeo said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has also deployed its whole incident management team as force multipliers.

Bombeo said parking is not allowed inside the shrine and rules such as no littering, no bringing of alcohol beverages, deadly and bladed weapons, items used for gambling and loudspeakers are prohibited.

Last year, more than 100,000 devotees participated in the feast with many attendees coming from the different provinces of Mindanao.

Home of the famous 50-foot tall statue of the Divine Mercy, the shrine is a top destination for pilgrims all over the country.