PNP imposes gun ban, deploys 2,500 cops for Bicol’s Peñafrancia Festival

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will suspend permits to carry firearms outside residences in Naga City, Camarines Sur, from Sept. 3 to 21, as authorities tighten security for the annual Peñafrancia Festival.

Police Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, Bicol police director, told the Inquirer in a Viber message on Wednesday that, ahead of the religious event, security preparations were in place to ensure public safety and prevent firearm-related incidents during the festivities.

The security measures will cover the festival’s two major religious events—the Traslación scheduled on Sept. 11 and the fluvial procession on Sept. 19.

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Only personnel of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies will be allowed to carry firearms during the period, and only while performing official duties and wearing prescribed uniforms, he said.

“About 2,500 police officers will be deployed in pilgrimage areas as part of the security preparations,” Silvio said.

The Peñafrancia Festival, held in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, draws thousands of pilgrims, devotees and tourists to Naga City every year, particularly during the fluvial procession. /mr