Camp BGen Simeon A Ola, Legazpi City – The centennial celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival concluded successfully. The PNP Bicol, under the leadership of PBGEN ANDRE P DIZON, RD, played a crucial role in ensuring peace and order during this historic festival.
This year’s Peñafrancia Festival, which marked the 100th anniversary of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, was highlighted by the grand fluvial procession, where the sacred images of Inâ and the Divino Rostro were carried along the Naga River on an intricately adorned pagoda. Millions of devotees from various regions gathered to witness this deeply religious event, underscoring its cultural and spiritual significance.
The extensive preparations and close coordination with various stakeholders and the local government of Naga City enabled the identification of key areas requiring special attention. This proactive approach, combined with the deployment of PNP personnel and other law enforcement agencies, ensured the peaceful conduct of the festival, despite the large number of attendees.
PNP Bicol has been actively rendering security since day one of the festivities. The heightened police presence, particularly during the high-traffic events such as the Traslacion and Fluvial Processions, ensured that both devotees and visitors could safely participate in the religious activities. The consistent cooperation between the police force, local government, and the public proved essential in maintaining order throughout the celebrations.
In a message, PBGEN DIZON expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the men and women of the PNP, as well as to all the agencies involved in the security operations, particularly those deployed during the major events.
“I extend my sincerest thanks to all those who tirelessly dedicated themselves to ensuring the success of the Peñafrancia Festival 2024, which coincides with the centenary of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. To those who were deployed during the Traslacion and Fluvial Processions, your participation, cooperation, and sacrifice did not go unnoticed. Together, we have once again proven that the PNP plays a vital role in maintaining peace and order, regardless of the challenges we face, whether it be rain or shine. Your unwavering commitment to duty is commendable. God bless PRO5, God bless the PNP, and Viva La Virgen!” PBGEN DIZON stated.
The efforts of PNP Bicol and the local security forces were instrumental in ensuring that the Peñafrancia Festival 2024 was a safe and memorable event for all.
(Source: PNP Kasurog Bicol)