SOLDIERS form an outer human chain surrounding the “voyadores” (male devotees) who tansport the image of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia during last year’s Traslacion procession, marking the beginning of the weeklong celebrations in Naga City. COURTESY OF 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE/PHILIPPINE ARMY )
NAGA CITY—Police have imposed bans on guns and liquor as this city in Camarines Sur province expects about a million devotees for the nine-day celebration of the Feast of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia starting Friday.
Mayor John Bongat also met with police and military officials to discuss security measures as they protect devotees and visitors during the religious festival, following a bomb explosion in Davao City last week. Fourteen people were killed while 67 others were wounded when a bomb ripped through a night market in Davao on the night of Sept. 2.
Allen Reondanga, chief of the Naga City events, protocol and public information office, said the police would stop people from carrying backpacks, bags, weapons and umbrellas in areas where the traslacion
(procession of barefoot male devotees called voyadores) would pass through on Friday.
Reondanga said policemen have been instructed to inspect bags whenever necessary as part of the heightened security measures.
The gun ban will be implemented from Sept. 8 to 18 while the liquor ban will be imposed in areas along the route of the traslacion.
The feast of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia or “Ina” is a centuries-old tradition that started in 1710.
The feast starts with the transfer the image of Ina from the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine adjoining the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, where it will stay for the nine-day novena.
The feast culminates with a fluvial procession at the Naga River when the image is returned to the Basilica Minore.
Senior Supt. Julius Muñez, Naga police director, said the police are ready as they tightened security measures and beefed up personnel for the festival.
Chief Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, Bicol regional police director, had sent 500 policemen to Naga to help the city police in crowd control and security.
“These measures would ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration and an assurance to all devotees of Ina of their safety and meaningful participation in this year’s celebration of Peñafrancia Festival,” Buenafe said.
Senior Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said policemen would secure vital installations, such as power and communication facilities, and conduct checkpoints and patrols in public areas like vicinities of churches, shopping malls and transport
terminals.
Col. Michael Buhat, commander of Task Force Peñafrancia of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said 700 soldiers have been ordered to assist the police in securing devotees. SFM