Authorities in the northern Philippine city...

Thousands of people visit the Philippines annually to see the shocking ritual, which symbolizes the Crucifixion of Christ.

"Today, it is an attraction for tourists," a local cleric was quoted by the news agency as saying. The Catholic faith stipulates enough ways of spiritual progression, which allows avoiding such rituals, he said.

Vatican, which has condemned the Philippine tradition, praised the move by San Fernando authorities, UCAN said.

The rite was first carried out in the Philippines in 1962, when Artemio Anosa performing the role of Christ volunteered to be crucified.

Last year, more than 20 Filipinos, including a 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl, voluntarily underwent crucifixion on Good Friday, with their hands and feet being spiked to crosses with 10-centimeter (3.9-inche) nails.

MOSCOW, March 22 (RIA Novosti)