Chaos erupted at a religious procession as throngs of devotees jostled to touch a sacred statue in the Philippines.

Volunteers formed a human barricade to protect the Black Nazarene statue being displayed at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 9.

Footage shows swarms of the faithful trying to approach the transparent case in which the holy relic was held. The container sustained slight damage, but the statue was unscathed.

Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Deputy Director for Operations of the National Capital Region Police, said in an interview with local media: 'There was an attempt by unruly individuals to leave the queue. Thanks to our alert cops, we managed to pacify the attendees.'

The Black Nazarene is a wooden statue carved in the 16th century by an anonymous Mexican sculptor. The image, brought to the Philipines in 1606, depicts Jesus carrying a cross before being crucified.

Superstitious locals in the predominantly Christian Southeast Asian country believe the image has miraculous properties that manifest when touched.

Millions regularly attend the annual 'Traslacion' procession or 'transfer' during which a composite replica of the Black Nazarene is publicly displayed.