The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has deployed roughly 2,600 police officers to safeguard the two-week Peñafrancia Festival 2026, which runs from September 6 through September 19.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio spearheaded the official send-off ceremony on Wednesday at Camp Brig. Gen. Simeon Ola, where 868 augmentation personnel assembled in person while officers from the Naga City, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte police offices joined via video conference.
The reinforcement contingent comprises 300 personnel from the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office (PPO), 280 from Albay PPO, 100 from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, 70 from Regional Headquarters, and 118 from various support units.
To support ground operations, law enforcement will deploy 35 vehicles for transport, security patrols, emergency response, and overall logistical readiness throughout the festivities.
Personnel will be stationed at event venues, major thoroughfares, transit hubs, and key crowd gathering sites to maintain visibility, direct traffic, assist visitors, and manage emergencies.
The annual celebration culminates on September 19 with the traditional fluvial procession along the Naga River, expected to draw massive crowds of Catholic devotees.
During the launch, Silvio also distributed operational equipment—including eight Starlink units, six smartphones, 200 life vests, tactical helmets, emergency gear bags, three power generators, 20 megaphones, and flashlights—to enhance field operations.
The PRO-5 chief explained that the tech gear aims to boost communication channels and bridge the gap caused by a shortage of body-worn cameras.
“We need to strengthen our ICT capabilities,” Silvio said.
Silvio noted that he will personally oversee security operations on-site to evaluate tactical execution and ensure personnel remain vigilant and approachable.
He urged deployed officers to exercise composure when managing crowded areas or handling potential conflicts among attendees.
“If there is pushing, we should still maintain maximum tolerance,” Silvio said.
The police regional commander further instructed all personnel to follow standard operating procedures without exception.
Security officials estimate that over one million pilgrims, residents, and tourists will attend this year’s Peñafrancia celebrations.