‘Spear’ confirms participation in Traslacion procession

By Paulo DS. Papa

The 9th Infantry “Spear” Division of the Philippine Army has recently confirmed its participation in this year’s Traslacion procession on September 13.

To recall, the army was absent during the said activity last year due to the recruitment and training of new cadets, which conflicted with their schedule for the procession.

Maj. Gen. Noeh Alberto Peñafiel informed the press during a briefing last Tuesday, August 13, at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur, that the army signed a memorandum of agreement with the Archdiocese of Caceres and the city government of Naga on Monday, August 12.

He stated that his men will provide security during this year’s procession, which will mark the start of the novena for Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

Peñafiel added that Spear troopers will also provide the necessary assistance to the church during the often-rowdy procession, considering it a rare opportunity for the army.

He mentioned that Bicolanos will witness the improved capabilities of the army in Bicol during the event.

The official also stated that he and other high-ranking officers will conduct a series of meetings to finalize the number of troops that will be deployed for the event.

In 2022, about 1,000 Spear troopers, including reservists, assisted the church in bringing the image of Ina from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

He disclosed that the army will implement security measures weeks before the Peñafrancia festivities.

Meanwhile, the Spear Division seized 130 firearms from communist armed rebels in the region as of the third quarter of this year.

The 130 firearms consist of 97 high-powered (HP) and 33 low-powered (LP) guns, which were captured, discovered, or confiscated during anti-insurgency operations, including 25 from surrendered rebels.

Peñafiel admitted that the number of surrendered communist rebels this year has yet to be determined, although the army has dismantled seven out of eight guerrilla fronts in Bicol.

He said the army is now focusing its anti-insurgency programs and operations in the Partido area of Camarines Sur, the third district of Albay, and Masbate province.

He disclosed that these areas are the last strongholds of the New People’s Army.