By Franco Regala  CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The traditional reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which has been held in this city for years, will not be staged this year because of the threat posed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), authorities said. Ruben Enaje grimaces in pain as he is nailed to the cross as part of a personal annual devotion during the Senakulo – the re-enactment of the sufferings and crucifixion of Jesus Christ – in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga, on Good Friday. (Mark Balmores|Manila Bulletin File Photo) Governor Dennis Pineda said that mass gatherings such as the Holy Week celebration in the province can potentially spread the coronavirus. “Yung mga activities na magga-gather ng maraming tao, nakikiusap ako wag na muna natin ituloy yan. Yan ang policy ng national, yan din ang gagawin natin,”  the governor stressed. City Mayor Edwin Santiago also said that the yearly tradition set on April 10 this year has already been cancelled to minimize the possible spread of the coronavirus, which is transmitted through droplets and direct contact with an infected person. The annual tourist spectacle usually draws thousands of devotees, flagellants, and tourists, making the event a possible source of widespread transmission of the virus. These religious rituals are also practiced in some areas in the province, notably in San Pedro Cutud. "We are doing this to protect everyone from the disease that may put them and their family at a greater risk,” Santiago said.