Cops, AFP tighten security at Peñafrancia following brawl

Following a brawl that marred the opening of the yearly Peñafrancia festival last weekend, police and soldiers have beefed up security for the rest of the event. Camarines Sur police chief Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Llorca said 200 policemen and 300 soldiers from the Philippine Army will augment security in Naga City for the event. Llorca said the police and soldiers will particularly be on guard for the fluvial procession and the feast day itself. “What happened last Sept. 11 was an unfortunate and isolated incident which led to a scuffle between an intoxicated man identified as Jay Aureus and several marshals composed of priests and seminarians," he said. He said Aureus had already apologized to Msgr. Romulo Vergara, Rector of Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Monday morning. But both Msgr. Vergara and Llorca suggested that Aureus issue a public apology through the media because the devotees were offended by his unruly behavior. Archdiocese of Caceres social communications director Fr. Louie Occiano said police and military authorities have conferred with their civic participation committee to assure the pilgrims of their safety. Occiano said even health practitioners and amateur radio enthusiasts have been tapped to help. “Had it not been for the incident, the traslacion (procession) would have been quite peaceful," Occiano said. - GMANews.TV