Camp BGen. Simeon A. Ola, Legazpi City – Police Regional Office 5 deploys a total of 2,234 police personnel to ensure orderly and peaceful celebration of Peñafrancia festival in Naga City this year.
Of these number, 832 personnel are from Naga City Police Office while 1,402 are augment coming from the different Police Provincial Offices of PRO5; Regional Headquarters Unit; Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5; Regional Special Training Unit (RSTU); Regional Training Center; Regional Medical and Dental Unit 5; Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD); Aviation Security Group; Regional Maritime Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit; Highway Patrol Group; and Regional Communications and Electronic Unit.
They are expected to render police duties in Naga City from September 8-19, 2022 through various security measures to ensure safety of millions of pilgrims from the different parts of the country and the world who will participate the religious feast.
The security preparations of the unit include the conduct of enhance police presence which covers police and mobile visibility patrol, checkpoints, visitations, and inspections to vital installations.
An area command post (ACP) was also established at Naga City Police Office which will serve as a hub to monitor and collect timely situations in the area as well as to discuss the ongoing response efforts in case of incidents.
Likewise, motorist assistance centers were also set up manned by the PNP, AFP and force multipliers to easily respond on the occurrences during the activity.
In adherence with the directives of PBGEN RUDOLPH B DIMAS, RD, PRO5, the unit also intensified its anti-criminality operations to preclude and deter criminal groups from taking advantage of the gathering.
Gun ban restrictions were also implemented which will run from September 5-25, 2022 as one of the ways to prevent incidents and crimes with the use of firearms.
PRO5 also prepared for contingency plans as a proactive approach to address possible incidents that are likely to encroach and hamper the overall peace and security.
“Our preparations are still ongoing. We are looking keenly on every detail to assure to our devotees their right to enjoy their religious beliefs is safeguarded. We also urge the public for their participation and cooperation in making this event a success,” said RD DIMAS.
Peñafrancia Festival is a religious festival honoring the feast day of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The main highlight of the event is the fluvial procession along the Naga River. It is considered as the biggest religious event in Bicol and also the biggest Marian event in Asia where it draws millions of tourists, pilgrims, and devotees every year.
(Source: Kasurog Bicol)
