LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – More than 600,000 devotees attended this year’s traditional Traslacion (transfer of image) procession of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City on Friday, September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The procession which started at Basilica Minore and ended at the Naga Cathedral culminates the nine-day novena Mass in honor of the Feast of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, an image of Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of the Bicol region.
Following the Traslacion was the Eucharistic celebration for the 141st Feast of the Divino Rostro at the Plaza de Covarrubias at the Naga City Cathedral.
The Naga City government confirmed that telecommunications had been shut down for security purposes while authorized drones were allowed to fly.
Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-5, said that 2,316 police personnel were deployed to man security during the month-long Peñafrancia Festival.
"A total of 2,316 dedicated personnel deployed to oversee the various activities and festivities scheduled throughout the month. This deployment includes personnel from different police provincial offices, individuals undergoing mandatory and service training, as well as the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Regional Special Training Unit," Calubaquib said.
These police officers were assigned to manage traffic flow, conduct intensive police presence and mobile patrols in key tourist areas, establish strategic checkpoints, and respond swiftly to any unforeseen incidents or emergencies that may arise, Calubaquib added.
"The Peñafrancia Festival is a cherished cultural and religious celebration that draws both locals and visitors from near and far. The presence of our police force aims to ensure that everyone can partake in the festivities with peace of mind, knowing that their safety and security are of paramount importance. As the festivities unfold, we recognize the need to adapt and evolve in response to changing times and the dynamic needs of the situation. With this, we aim to strike the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Our goal is to create an experience that resonates deeply with all participants while leaving a lasting impression of joy and reverence," she said.