LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Police Regional Office-5 has deployed 5,138 personnel from various units to secure to centennial of the Peñafrancia Festival this month in Naga City.
POLICE Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon (center) leads the send-off ceremony for security personnel for the centennial celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City. (PRO-5)
PNP-Bicol Director Police Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon said they are composed of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Coast Guard, other PNP units, and force multipliers.
Dizon said that at least 2,000 police personnel will be deployed in Naga City during the conduct of Traslacion on September 13 and fluvial procession on September 21.
This year is the centenary of canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
Millions of devotees are expected to attend the biggest religious event in Bicol region.
The Peñafrancia Festival has been described as the biggest Marian event in the Philippines and in Asia.
It is a celebration of two feasts – Divino Rostro (Divine Face of Jesus) on the second Friday of September and the Our Lady of Peñafrancia the next weekend.
Dizon advised devotees, tourists, and visitors to avoid carrying deadly weapons to avoid inconvenience.
A gun ban will also be imposed as part of security measures during the month-long celebration.