Security beefed up for Manaoag pilgrims

MANAOAG, Pangasinan – The police will beef up their security measures starting third week of March here when Marian devotees and pilgrims from all corners of the country, as well as local and foreign tourists flock here to pay homage to the town’s patron saint, the miraculous Our Lady of Manaoag during the Holy Week observance.

Superintendent Mateo Casupang, police chief here, told The STAR that they are anticipating the tremendous increase of commuters tra­veling by land and those with private vehicles that cause traffic jams, likewise peace and order concerns.

Aside from the shrine of the miraculous Virgin of Manaoag, people also troop to the Virgin’s Well in Ba­rangay Pugaro and the Pyramid of Asia Healing Center in Barangay Caban­banan here which are believed to cure sickness of people with different ailments.

Casupang said he has requested a team of policemen from the Regional Mobile Group, three teams of enlisted personnel/ reservists from the Philippine Army, to augment the security forces of the Manaoag Police Station for aggressive police operations with the employment of optimum number of effective personnel to ensure the safety of other vaca­tioners and guests, including the local populace while enjoying the summer months and during the observance of the Holy Week.

Motorists/Police Assistance Centers shall also be set up with the help of other communication groups, civilian volunteer organizations and other civic-spirited groups, Ca­supang said.

On weekends, thousands of pilgrims and devotees flock here but this number is expected to balloon 10 times during the Holy Week observance.