As part of the extensive security preparations for the Peñafrancia Festival 2025, a multi-agency coordination group security cluster send-off ceremony and mustering of troops for Peñafrancia Festival 2025 was conducted on September 11, 2025, at the Basilica Minore in Barangay Balatas, Naga City.
Widely regarded as the largest Marian gathering in Asia, the Peñafrancia Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees and visitors each year. With this immense influx of pilgrims, ensuring peace and order has become a priority for both local and national authorities.
The PNP Bicol, under the leadership of PBGEN NESTOR C BABAGAY JR., Regional Director, will deploy a total of 3,363 personnel for the duration of the celebration. Their assignments include maintaining crowd control, securing procession routes, guarding vital installations, and supporting local emergency operations.
Of this number, 786 personnel were already activated on September 10, 2025, under Oplan Bicol Shield. They have been tasked with manning border controls and checkpoints at regional entry and exit points to regulate movement, prevent the entry of contraband, and deter potential threats that could disrupt the solemnity of the occasion.
The mustering ceremony was graced by Hon. Maria Leonor G. Robredo, Mayor of Naga City, and Most Reverend Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, Archbishop of Caceres. Both leaders delivered messages of encouragement, underscoring the importance of the troops’ presence not only in ensuring public safety but also in preserving the sanctity of the festival.
PCOL ROQUE A BAUSA, DRDO, PRO 5 who represented PBGEN BABAGAY JR. delivered an inspiring message to the contingents of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and other partner agencies. He reminded them that their duty goes beyond ensuring order and safety—it is also an expression of faith and devotion shared with the community.
“Let us show the professionalism of the Filipino uniformed service. Let them see our discipline in every calibrated movement, our efficiency in every response, and our compassion in every interaction. Let the world witness that in Bicol, faith and security walk hand in hand—creating an environment where everyone can safely pray, celebrate, and be moved by the spirit of the Divino Rostro. Let every instruction be clear, every communication precise, and every action deliberate. Our preparation must be thorough, our coordination seamless. We are one team with one mission: to ensure a safe and solemn celebration for all”, he further said.
To further strengthen security and provide direct assistance to pilgrims, the establishment of Police Assistance Desks and Motorist Assistance Centers has also been planned across the city and its surrounding areas. These will serve as immediate response points to ensure that devotees, motorists, and visitors alike can easily request assistance, report incidents, or seek guidance. Police Assistance
Desks will be placed in critical locations such as transport terminals, churches, billeting areas for visiting officials, and the different venues of festival events, while Motorist Assistance Centers will be stationed along major thoroughfares and routes leading to the city to help manage traffic flow, respond to emergencies, and assist travelers throughout the celebration.
The deployment highlights the spirit of multi-agency cooperation that has long been a hallmark of Peñafrancia Festival security. Alongside the PNP, other agencies including the AFP, BFP and PCG are working hand in hand with the local government, civic organizations, and church-based groups to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the festivities. This whole-of-community effort underscores the shared responsibility of protecting not just an event, but also a deep cultural and religious tradition that defines the identity of Bicolanos.
Source: PNP Kasurog Bicol