Filipinos Endure Ritual Crucifixions

Religious devotees were nailed to crosses, and flagellants marched through streets beating their backs bloody in Good Friday rituals marking the crucifixion of Christ.

The Roman Catholic Church, which claims the allegiance of 85% of the 62 million Filipinos, frowns on crucifixions and flagellations.

But the rituals remain popular in this area about 30 miles north of Manila. About a dozen zealots endured crucifixions in several communities.

Special aluminum nails, soaked for a year in alcohol, are driven into hands and feet by attendants who make sure they miss bones and blood vessels. Devotees spend only a few minutes on the crosses.