Philippines marks Easter with crucifixions

Penitent Willy Salvador (C), in his 10th year of crucifixion, is crucified with other penitents on wooden crosses during a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday in San Juan town, Philippines March 25, 2016. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

SAN JUAN, Philippines: At least 17 men were set to be nailed to wooden crosses in the Philippines, Asia’s Catholic heartland, on Good Friday in an extreme public display of faith.

Young men dressed as soldiers of the Roman empire dragged local fisherman Willy Salvador, 59, through San Juan toward a central square where he and two other men were scheduled to be crucified mid-morning.