PRO5 to deploy over 5,000 cops for Peñafrancia Festival

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- In an effort to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the upcoming Traslación of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicolandia, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol will deploy over 5,000 composite police personnel in Naga City on September 12, 2024.

Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, Bicol police chief, told this paper that the 5,000-strong composite police force will augment Naga City’s personnel for three weeks to assist with the expected influx of pilgrims.

“We are expecting millions of pilgrims to arrive in Naga for the Peñafrancia Festival, which marks the 100th anniversary of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Our composite police forces will be deployed to ensure security and public safety,” Dizon told The Bicol Mail.

Dizon led the send-off ceremony for security forces at the Philippine National Police’s Camp Simeon Ola, where they showcased the equipment to be used in Naga.

The composite forces to be deployed in Naga City include personnel from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

“We are ready to respond to any eventualities that may arise during the religious festivities,” Dizon said. The police personnel will manage traffic, maintain a visible police presence, conduct mobile patrols in key tourist areas, establish strategic checkpoints, and swiftly respond to any unforeseen incidents or emergencies.

The police will also work alongside the Philippine Army and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

The Bicol police chief also advised devotees and pilgrims attending the Traslación on September 13 and the fluvial procession on September 21, which marks the end of the festival, to avoid bringing expensive belongings, especially jewellery, as well as deadly weapons and harmful chemicals. He further recommended not bringing young children to the large events to prevent untoward incidents, particularly potential stampedes.

The Traslacion procession involves the transfer of the image of the Bicol patroness from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

The Traslación of Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia), the patroness of Bicolandia, is scheduled for September 13, 2024. This second Friday of September also marks the start of the nine-day novena at the shrine.

The miraculous wooden image of the Ina has been venerated in Naga City since the 1700s. The voyadores, barefoot men from all walks of life, race to carry the palanquin, believing that doing so cleanses them of sin and heals their illnesses. They bring the image alongside that of the Divino Rostro during the procession.