MANILA, Philippines -- At least 164 people have sustained minor injuries in the annual Black Nazarene procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

This, as devotees scramble to get near the "andas" carrying the image of the dark-skinned Christ which is believed to be miraculous.

The Manila Police District estimates over a million people have joined the procession since the carriage left the Quirino Grandstand.

But authorities expect a total of 10 million devotees to join the procession.

Over 3,000 policemen and 1,000 Metro Manila Development Authority personnel have been deployed to secure the feast.

Organizers are hoping this year's procession will end by around 7:30 p.m.

ANC News Now, January 9, 2013