Manila, Sept. 2 -- The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) is set to deploy more than 3,000 police officers to ensure the safety of the anticipated over 1.5 million devotees, pilgrims, and tourists participating in the upcoming Penafrancia Festival in Naga City this month.

In an interview Monday afternoon, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. said preparations are 90 percent complete for the largest annual religious event in the Bicol region.

"Our contingency plan accommodates even more participants. Traffic management is an integral part of our security preparations. This effort is not solely about the personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP); it involves collaboration with other government agencies," he said.

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