PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio checks on police personnel assigned to secure the Peñafrancia Festival traslacion in Naga City, Camarines Sur, on Sept. 11, 2026. Authorities estimated that more than 820,000 devotees joined the procession. Photo courtesy: PRO-5.
Around 820,000 devotees joined the Peñafrancia traslacion on Friday night as the annual religious festival in Naga City moved into one of its biggest public processions.
Police Regional Office 5 said the event was generally peaceful and orderly, with security personnel positioned in areas where crowd buildup was expected.
Authorities used public advisories and placards to remind participants to secure valuables, stay hydrated, remain with companions and immediately report emergencies or suspicious activity.
Police also deployed closed-circuit television cameras and drones to monitor crowd movement and help ground units respond to developing situations.
Starlink equipment was used to support communication among security teams, particularly in locations where mobile networks could become congested because of the large number of attendees.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio credited devotees, local governments, partner agencies, volunteers and other groups for helping maintain order during the procession.
Security operations will remain in place through the rest of the Peñafrancia Festival, which will culminate in the fluvial procession along the Naga River on Sept. 19.
The festival honors Our Lady of Peñafrancia, affectionately called “Ina” by devotees, and is one of the largest Marian celebrations in the Philippines.
