Philippines village hosts crucifixion ceremony

Several Filipinos have been nailed to wooden crosses to re-enact Jesus Christ’s suffering in a Good Friday rite that has been rejected by the Catholic church, but that draws thousands of tourists.

Officials in San Juan village in northern Pampanga province say three labourers appeared calm as stainless steel nails were driven through their palms with hammers.

They were then set aloft on crosses under a brutal sun for a few minutes as tourists snapped pictures.

Village leader Remigio dela Cruz says four other men were crucified in nearby Santa Lucia village and more than a dozen more are being nailed to crosses in his San Pedro Cutud community.

The spectacle reflects the country’s unique brand of Catholicism, which includes folk superstitions.