IMPROVED TRAINING FOR SAFETY OFFICIALS SOUGHT

Senator Edgardo J. Angara lauded the Manila police and volunteers for the peaceful celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Sunday, as reports were filed about the success of the yearly march of devotees.

This year's Quiapo day, more popularly known as the Feast of the Black Nazarene, was attended by millions of followers--estimates range widely from a conservative 2 million to a whopping 7 million people who went barefoot to take part in the annual procession.

Although the numbers of injuries increased from last year, the more serious cases actually dwindled, treated by some 250 volunteers for the Philippine Red Cross. Order was kept by the 3,000-strong police force deployed by the Manila Police District.

"This procession is a testament to the strength of devotion of Filipinos. It's even more amazing how such a huge number of devotees were able to gather in a small area without any major incident--this, I believe can be credited to the volunteers and the members of the police who did their jobs well," said Angara.

Angara authored Senate Bill No. 2618 or the Philippine Public Safety College System Act which seeks to enhance the state's primary training institution for firemen, jail guards and members of the police force.

"Keeping order, enforcing the law and protecting the people's safety are put in the hands of these dedicated public workers. It is therefore the state's responsibility to ensure that they get the proper training and continuing education so that they can continue to handle the increasing demands of their positions," he asserted.

The Philippine Public Safety College System act was filed at the Senate this 15th Congress. Following the First Reading, S.B. No. 2618 was referred to and is now pending in the Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee.