‘Bato’ to visit Peñafrancia fiesta in Naga City

NAGA CITY – For the first time in his term as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa will visit Bicol to grace an occasion in Legazpi City and attend the festivities of the Peñafrancia fiesta in Naga City on Friday.

Chief Superintendent Melvin Buenafe, acting regional director of Bicol police, said they are grateful Bato accepted their invitation for him to visit Bicol during the nine-day feast.

Buenafe said the top cop will speak before the police corps at the celebration of the Police Service Anniversary at Camp Simeon Ola in Legazpi City and meet with the officials of PNP in Bicol in the morning.

He said Bato will arrive in the morning to attend the occasion in Legazpi City then proceed to Naga City to participate in the activities of the Peñafrancia fiesta.

Buenafe said Bato as a pious person wanted to experience the devotion to the Our Lady of Peñafrancia and give thanks to the patroness of Bicol.

He said the PNP chief will address the public and participants of the regional military parade at the Plaza Quezon here and will stay overnight at the culmination of the religious fiesta.

Buenafe said Bato will participate in the three-kilometer final procession of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia from Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to the “danlugan” (warf) where the image will be transferred to the pagoda for the fluvial procession on Naga River going to Basilica Minore.

But he said the PNP chief will not board the pagoda to avoid disruption of the solemn procession given his stature and celebrity-like status. CDG

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