Palo Archdiocese: No changes in plans so far, but prepared for contingencies

By AMANDA FERNANDEZ, GMA News

Published January 15, 2015 3:45pm

(Updated 5:17 p.m.) PALO, Leyte - Two days before the arrival of Pope Francis in Leyte province, the Palo Archdiocese said there are no changes so far in plans despite a possible rainy weather on Sunday.

At a press conference on Thursday, Fr. Amadeo Alvero, Palo Archdiocese' Social Communications director, said that although there are no changes yet, they are prepared for contingencies.

In a separate interview with reporters, Fr. Chris Arthur Militante, Palo Archdiocese' Information and Social Communication Officer, assured that "any eventually and adversities, different scenarios were considered in the planning."

"In fact, last night, at 11 in the evening, PSG personnel were still conducting dry-run at the Archbishops' Residence, so therefore, they still consider that should the Holy Father reaches night-time here, they also have contingencies for that," he added.

Earlier, reports said light to moderate rain could occur over Tacloban City on Saturday, when Pope Francis goes there for the Leyte leg of his five-day visit.

However, GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani" Cruz said Tropical Storm Amang (Mekkhala) is not likely to make landfall. Amang entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility earlier in the day.

Cruz said the tropical storm may even possibly weaken while approaching the coasts of Eastern Visayas.

Earlier, Palo Archbishop John Du ordered the recital of an Oratio Imperata (mandatory prayer) for good weather in time for Pope Francis' visit there.

Pope Francis, who is due to arrive in the Philippines on late Thursday afternoon, is to visit Leyte on Jan. 17.

In Tacloban City, he is to lead a Mass and then proceed to Palo town where he will have lunch with survivors of recent calamities.

Security preparations had been ramped up in Leyte, with the arrival of more security forces from the Philippine National Police and Coast Guard. — RSJ, GMA News

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