Manila, Sept. 4 -- The Philippine Coast Guard in Bicol (PCG-5) will deploy over 500 personnel and prepare contingency plans to ensure a safe, organized, and peaceful celebration of the Penafrancia Festival in Naga City this month.

In an interview Thursday, PCG-5 commander Commodore Ivan Roldan said the personnel include those stationed in Camarines Sur and volunteers from other Coast Guard auxiliaries.

"We will deploy augmentation personnel beyond those from the Coast Guard in Camarines Sur; we will also include personnel from the district and volunteers from other Coast Guard auxiliaries. Aside from our personnel, we will also include logistical support and equipment during the fluvial procession," he said.

Roldan added that as part o...