Provincial cops to undertake strategies mapped out by JOC

Rev. Fr. Pablo Carpio of Basilica Minore gives a brief report of the preparations of the Archdiocese of Caceres for the Peñafrancia Festival 2019 during the Joint Operations Center (JOC) Workshop held at Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga City. (JRM)

NAGA CITY, – It’s “all set” for the Archdiocese of Caceres and this city government as the biggest Marian event officially commences with the much-awaited Traslacion tomorrow.

PMajor Josel Zafe of the Naga City Police Office confirmed that 1,877 uniformed personnel will serve as augmentation force to ensure that peace and order procedures during the entire celebration of the Peñafrancia festivity will be properly implemented.

Policemen coming from various Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial stations will implement the strategies mapped out by the Joint Operations Center (JOC) thru the various Incident Management Teams or IMT designated for specific events.

Aside from being part of the traffic and security cluster, various members of the augmentation force will be scattered in strategic areas expected to be frequented by visitors or anticipated hang out places of various groups. Even areas with lesser activities will also be detailed with policemen to deter criminals from doing their evil tricks.

Fr. Pablo Carpio of the Basilica Minore said that details of the Traslacion procession were already discussed with the traffic and security cluster to assure the solemnity of the religious activity.

The Traslacion which takes place every 2nd Friday of Sept. is the transfer of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia from the Peñafrancia shrine to the Metropolitan Cathedral. The image will stay there for the 9-day novena before it will be returned to her sanctuary at the Basilica Minore thru the fluvial procession slated on Sept.21, Saturday.

Fr. Carpio said that they are expecting 10,000 to 15,000 devotees, tourists, pilgrims and other visitors to join the Traslacion procession. He thus assured the public that they will strictly implement the crowd management strategy, including the strict enforcement of “no vending” and “no parking” policies, particularly in religious centers. (LSMacatangay-with reports from JNeola, CEPPIO-PIAV/Camarines Sur)