Overview
- Ruben Enaje, 65, completed his 37th and final crucifixion in Pampanga on Friday after saying he would step down for health reasons.
- This year the ritual was eased at his request, with nails driven only through his palms, a lighter cross used, and no staged whipping.
- Local outlet ABS-CBN reported 15 people were crucified across five sites in Pampanga as roughly 15,000 spectators gathered.
- San Pedro Cutud organizers identified 47-year-old Arnold Maniago as Enaje’s successor to keep the role of Kristo going.
- The Catholic Church discourages self-harm, local authorities station medical teams at the sites, and Enaje’s vow began after he survived a fall in 1986.