IN NAGA CITY: 3,000 cops to help secure Bicol’s Peñafrancia fiesta

By Paulo DS. Papa

ABOUT 3,000 police officers, along with Philippine Army soldiers — some of whom will be deployed in plainclothes — are expected to help secure Naga City during the civic and religious activities for the novenary masses of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

Police Staff Sergeant Roberto Aguillon, deputy spokesperson of the Naga City Police Office, said they have requested the Police Regional Office 5 to provide around 2,000 augmentation personnel to help secure the festivities this September.

He noted that more than 800 police personnel are currently assigned in the city, but the number will increase once the additional forces arrive.

Aguillon clarified, however, that the request has yet to be finalized due to possible adjustments in the fiesta schedules.

He added that a series of coordination meetings with the city government is ongoing to fine-tune plans for traffic management, road safety, and the protection of visitors, participants, and devotees during the week-long festivities.

Asked about possible road accidents due to drunkenness before or during the feast day, Aguillon said motorists involved in accidents while under the influence of alcohol may face stiffer penalties under national traffic laws and local ordinances.

He reminded the public that drunkenness can cause accidents and advised drivers to sober up before getting behind the wheel.

Aguillon also disclosed that security measures will be implemented along national roads leading to the city and other thoroughfares expected to experience heavy traffic due to road closures for Peñafrancia activities.

A glance at the ongoing preparations for the fiesta in the city:

The Bureau of Fire Protection–Naga Fire Station will deploy one ambulance and a first aid station manned by seven EMS personnel during the Traslacion procession on September 12.

On September 13, during the CTP-MAPEH, one ambulance and a first aid station will be on standby; on September 17, for the Scouts Parade and DXMC Competition, one ambulance and a first aid station will also be deployed; on September 19, during the Bicol Regional Military Parade, an ambulance and a first aid station will be in place; and on September 20, for the fluvial procession, one ambulance and a first aid station will likewise be provided.

In the medical and health cluster, several towns have already confirmed their readiness to send their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) personnel to Naga City, along with ambulances, rescue vehicles, rubber boats, drivers, and EMS staff. These include Buhi, Libmanan, Pamplona, Del Gallego, Milaor, Camaligan, and Iriga City. Their participation will support the conduct of the Traslacion, the fluvial procession, and other civic and religious activities.

These preparations form only part of the wide range of measures being undertaken by the LGU Naga and the Archdiocese of Caceres.