MANILA — A photojournalist tragically passed away on January 9, 2026, while covering the massive Traslación procession for the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.
The victim was identified as Rodelio “Rodel” Reyes, 52, a veteran freelance photographer who had been documenting the event for various media outlets for many years. According to initial reports from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and medical personnel, Reyes suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while positioned along Quezon Boulevard amid the dense crowd and extreme heat.
He was immediately attended to by DOH medical teams stationed along the route but was pronounced dead on arrival at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC). This marks the fourth reported death linked to the 2026 Traslación (three earlier fatalities were also cardiac-related or due to heat exhaustion).
Background on the Incident
- Time of Collapse: Approximately 3:00 p.m. on January 9, during the heaviest surge of the procession.
- Conditions: Extreme crowd density, high temperature (heat index ~38–40°C), and prolonged standing/exposure.
- Response: DOH and Red Cross teams performed CPR on-site before transport.
Reyes was known among media colleagues for his dedication, often working long hours to capture the devotion and human stories of the annual event. He leaves behind a family and is remembered as a quiet, hardworking professional.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expressed condolences and called for better safety measures for media workers covering large-scale events, including access to medical stations and hydration support.
The Traslación, while generally peaceful, once again highlighted the physical risks of participating in or covering one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, with millions of devotees enduring long hours in intense conditions.
Our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Rodel Reyes.
Here are some photos from the event — the massive crowd, medical teams in action, and a moment of tribute to media workers covering the feast.
Rest in peace, Rodel. Your images captured the faith of millions.