Peñafrancia procession in Naga draws 1.2 million, ends peacefully

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur — An estimated 1.2 million devotees joined the fluvial procession for Our Lady of Peñafrancia on Saturday, according to the Incident Management Team, as the religious event ended peacefully despite a schedule adjustment prompted by the low water level of the Naga River.

The procession was held in the evening for the first time because of the river’s status.

Police Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, Bicol police director, credited the orderly conduct of the procession to the cooperation of devotees and the coordinated efforts of the police, local government units, government agencies, volunteers and other stakeholders.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Peace and security is a shared responsibility. The cooperation of our devotees and the general public greatly contributed to the peaceful and orderly conduct of the activity. We thank everyone for their patience, discipline and cooperation. Your partnership with the police made our mission easier and more effective,” he said.

Silvio commended the police personnel who served during the procession and said their deployment would continue for the remaining Peñafrancia activities. /gsg