Bicol police boost security for Peñafrancia pilgrims on Sept. 9

LEGAZPI CITY — The Bicol Regional Police Office 5 has set up 13 pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras in strategic areas of Naga City to boost security for pilgrims and other participants in this year’s Peñafrancia Festival.

The cameras were installed outside the perimeter of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga City and within Plaza Rizal, areas that are expected to draw large crowds during the religious festivities.

READ: PNP imposes gun ban, deploys 2,500 cops for Bicol’s Peñafrancia Festival

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“The cameras would strengthen police monitoring and help ensure the safety of devotees, visitors, and residents during the festival,” Police Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, Bicol police chief said.

The installation was carried out by the Police Regional Communications and Electronics Unit for Region V, led by its chief, Police Col. Joel Abad, and the technical team of the Communications and Electronics Service of the Philippine National Police headquarters.

About 2,600 police and other security personnel were also deployed on Wednesday during a send-off ceremony at Camp Gen. Simeon Ola to secure the festival areas and help manage traffic in and around major activity sites, Silvio said.

“The PTZ cameras can provide real-time surveillance of wide areas, allow police personnel to focus on specific locations, and enable them to immediately respond to any eventualities,” he added.

The cameras would help authorities monitor crowd movements, detect security concerns, and facilitate the prompt deployment of police personnel in case of incidents.

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They would also support security operations during major religious activities and other public gatherings related to the Peñafrancia Festival.

The festival begins with the Traslación on Sept. 11, followed by the fluvial procession on Sept. 19. /mcm