City all set for ‘Maleldo 2013’

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The City Government of San Fernando on Friday announced that all is set for the staging of “Maleldo 2013” or the annual observance of Holy Week on its 51st year.

Maleldo executive committee chairman Councilor Jimmy Lazatin said some 50,000 local and foreign tourists are expected to troop to the three “crucifixion” sites in barangays San Juan, Sta. Lucia and the main “Golgotha” area in San Pedro Cutud where the “Via Crusis” will be played starting at around 11 a.m.

An estimated 5,000 flagellants will accompany 15 penitents led by Ruben Enaje, Fernando Mamangun, Danilo Ramos and Melchor Montoya, who will be “nailed” to crosses on Good Friday.

“We will do our best to protect tourists and participants of Maleldo 2013. We have set in place everything from security, medical emergencies, parking, traffic routes and detailed contingencies especially we expect a larger crowd this year, including VIPs like foreign dignitaries and ambassadors,” Lazatin said.

Medical teams and 250 uniformed and plainclothes police operatives will be deployed and stationed in strategic areas, he said.

Mayor Oscar Rodriguez added that the City Government has taken measures to guarantee public safety and order during the commemoration.

“Ambulance, tents and first aid are also in a state of readiness in case of emergencies. And we will be posting safety reminders to the public in various conspicuous areas. I would also like to invite and encourage everyone to reflect on Christ’s agony for mankind and take Maleldo 2013 as an opportunity to discover San Fernando’s places of solitude by following the visits to various churches around the city during the Visita Iglesia,” Rodriguez said.

“May all of us find peace and solemnity in the observance of the Lenten Season in San Fernando,” he concluded.