The local officials of the City of San Fernando in Pampanga in Central Philippines have issued a ban on the participation of foreigners in the Good Friday crucifixion in the villages of San Pedro Cutud, Santa Lucia and San Juan.
Councilor Harvey Quiwa, cochairman of the Malelo (Holy Week) 2015 Committee, said the crucifixions is a strictly Filipino affair and for true penitents only. The prohibition on foreign participation had been prompted by the disrespect shown by some foreigners for the local Lenten tradition.
Some local residents had themselves nailed to crosses in the annual rites as a way for the atonement of sins, for seeking favors from God, and as an act of giving thanks for answered prayers.
