Traslacion of Peñafrancia begins; security tight

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur — The traslacion, a religious procession that takes the image of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro (Holy Image of Christ) to the Metropolitan Cathedral, here, began around noon yesterday and was expected to finish by late afternoon.

At least 3,000 police personnel were deployed in the vicinity of the religious spectacle which draws tens of thousands of devotees to see the province’s patron saint who they call “Ina.”

ChiefInspectorMaluCalubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) spokesperson, said 637 police personnel were already deployed for security and public assistance last Wednesday, and another batch was sent to complete the 2,514 personnel on duty yesterday.

Allen Reondanga, of the City Events, Protocol and Public Infor- mation Center, said that classes in all levels were suspended yesterday so that people could take part in one of Bicol region’s most revered religious traditions.

When the image of the Lady and the Divino Rostro reach the Metropolitan Cathedral, it will be venerated by devotees. For nine days, there will be Holy Masses and Novena prayers offered at the cathedral.

Meanwhile, Calubaquib called on everyone to refrain from bringing big bags and backpacks or any firearm or deadly weapon to the religious festivity.

Captain Joash Pramis, spokesperson of 9th Infantry Division (9ID), said security will be very tight and that more than 600 army soldiers are deployed at the religious gathering.