1.5M devotees, pilgrims expected at Peñafrancia events in Naga City

LEGAZPI CITY – Over 1.5 million devotees, pilgrims and tourists are expected to participate in various activities for the 100th-year celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City from Sept. 12 to 22.

In an interview on Thursday, Col. Erwin Rebellon, Naga City Police director, said they are prepared to secure the attendees to the biggest annual religious event in Bicol.

"We are expecting 1 to 1.5 million devotees and pilgrims that will troop to Naga City. We conducted simulation exercises like in shooting, stampedes, bombing, terrorism, drowning, and other incidents. Let's just pray that nothing happens. We are prepared; with all the meetings with it, everything is in place from peace and order, emergency preparedness, and convoy security," he said.

Rebellon also said high-ranking government and religious sector officials have confirmed their attendance at the Peñafrancia Festival.

He noted that over 5,000 security forces have been tasked with ensuring the safety and orderliness of the events.

A formal send-off ceremony for them was conducted Thursday at the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) Grandstand inside Camp Simeon A. Ola here.

As part of the security measures, all permits to carry firearms out of residence are suspended effective Thursday until Sept. 22 to ensure the safety of visitors. However, communication signals in the city during the big events of the feast, such as the Traslacion and the fluvial procession, will not be shut down.

PRO5 has also activated and intensified its checkpoint operations under Oplan Bicol Shield, a regionwide anti-criminality and security campaign.

In his message at the send-off ceremony, PRO5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon underscored the significance of coordination and collaboration among all participating agencies to guarantee the success of the event.

He highlighted the collective responsibility of law enforcement offices, government agencies, and the public to ensure everyone's safety during the Peñafrancia Festival.

Dizon also urged the public to remain vigilant against potential threats, as lawless elements and threat groups may exploit the event to conduct sabotage, raids, or other terrorist activities.

Peñafrancia Festival is celebrated to honor the feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, patroness of the region. The main highlight of the event is the fluvial procession along the Naga River, slated on Sept. 21.

In 2023, over a million devotees attended the festival. (PNA)