By AFPMore by this AuthorBOACWhipping their backs to a bloody state and nailing themselves to crosses, devotees in the fervently Catholic Philippines marked Good Friday with extreme acts of faith that have become tourist attractions. The climax of the week-long drama is on Saturday when the centurions capture Longinus and dramatically "behead" him. Organiser Raymond Nepomuceno said they were now encouraging children to take part even if they used lighter plastic or fibreglass masks. Nemesio de los Reyes said he was taking part in the re-enactment so he and his family would remain healthy. In San Pedro village north of Manila, 56-year-old Ruben Enaje underwent his 31st crucifixion after surviving a construction accident.

Source: Daily Nation April 15, 2017 04:07 UTC