NOT even the rain could stop the estimated 300,000 devotees from joining the annual penitential procession known as the "Walk with Jesus" from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City, Thursday dawn, January 9, 2020.

The walk started at around 4 a.m. followed by the 5:30 a.m. first novena mass inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

In his homily, Reverend Father Pacifico Nohara thanked the devotees for joining the annual procession even though it rained.

"Kining pagpundok nato karon, nagpakita og paghiusa tungod sa atong paghigugma sa Balaang Bata nga si Señor Santo Niño," Nohara said.

(Our gathering today shows that we are united because of our love for the Holy Child, Señor Santo Niño.)

Police Major Keith Andaya, event commander of the Walk with Jesus event, said the procession was peaceful and orderly.

Andaya added that an estimated 300,000 devotees participated the procession.

Police earlier said that over 1,000 personnel of the Philippine National Police will be deployed during the Walk with Jesus procession, with 330 policemen patrolling inside the Basilica del Santo Nino and 700 others guarding the procession route. (JCT/JGS)