Peñafrancia feast: Gun ban up to protect devotees

LEGAZPI CITY — Police will impose a 10-day gun ban in Naga City in Camarines Sur province to ensure the safety of devotees who will join the feast of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia this month.

Chief Supt. Antonio Gardiola Jr., Bicol police director, said all permits to carry firearms are suspended from Sept. 8 to 17, a measure that forms part of security preparations for the religious celebration in honor of the patroness of the region.

According to Gardiola, only policemen, soldiers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies on duty and who are wearing proper uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms during the ban’s duration.

Police and the city council have asked telecommunication companies to stop cellular phone signal an hour before the start of the “traslacion” procession on Sept. 8 and before the fluvial procession of the image of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia, called by devotees as “Ina,” on Sept. 16. The signal would be restored an hour after these events end. —Mar S. Arguelles