MANAOAG, Pangasinan -- The local government unit (LGU) here tightened its security measures for the influx of devotees to the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Manaoag this Holy Week, the town’s local chief executive said on Wednesday.
Mayor Kim Amador, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), said LGU personnel have been deployed since Palm Sunday in anticipation of the pilgrims’ arrival in the town, where the famous Basilica Minore is situated.
“Two million Catholic devotees are expected to visit the Basilica”, Amador said.
He added this number excludes devotees who will be walking towards said town as their form of penitence, more commonly known as “Alay-Lakad”.
Amador said augmentation forces from the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, Provincial Public Safety Company of Tayug and Special Weapons and Tactic (SWAT) have joined in ensuring the peace and order in the town, along with additional forces from Camp Tito Abat nearby.
Moreover, vendors were designated at the public auditorium, while Emergency Response Teams were assigned in strategic locations.
Meanwhile, the bulk of visitors are expected to troop starting Wednesday with increasing trend come May 3, which is the feast of Our Lady of Manaoag. (PNA)
