2,500 cops deployed in Naga City

By Paulo DS. Papa

A total of 2,500 police personnel will be deployed in Naga City to ensure peace and order during the Peñafrancia festivities this year, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Chester Pomar, spokesperson of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO), during a media briefing on Monday, September 1.

The deployment includes 1,400 augmentation forces from the Police Regional Office in Bicol, as earlier confirmed by PCapt. Gilbert Guban III, assistant chief of the City Community Affairs and Development Unit of NCPO.

Pomar also revealed that an additional 300 personnel will be placed on standby for possible deployment in case of manpower shortages during high-attendance activities. Furthermore, the 800 local police personnel currently assigned in Naga City will be on duty throughout the entire week of the celebration.

In total, this brings the overall police presence during the Peñafrancia activities to about 2,500 officers, the largest deployment for the event in recent years.

To support the needs of the deployed forces, food provisions will be covered by the regional command, led by PBGen. Nestor Babagay Jr., acting regional director of PRO5. This came after Mayor Leni Robredo requested assistance from PBGen. Babagay for funding the meals of the police personnel amid the city government’s tight budget.

The city is currently grappling with a budget shortfall of ₱10 million for civic activities related to the Peñafrancia celebration, prompting local leaders to seek external support.

The Peñafrancia festivities, considered the largest Marian event in Asia, draw thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually, necessitating heightened security measures across the city.