8k cops deployed for Pope’s safety in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY - Some 8,000 police officers will protect Pope Francis during his visit in Tacloban City and Palo in Leyte province.

 

Police Chief Superintendent Cedrick Train, Police Regional Office 8 deputy for administration, said 5,000 cops will be assigned in the motorcade, 2,000 in the Mass at the Daniel Romualdez Airport; 500 at the Palo Cathedral; 300 at the Pope Francis Center; and 200 at various checkpoints.

 

"We are prepared to ensure the security and safety of His Holiness though we don't intend to pose as unnecessary barrier between the Pope and the faithful," he said.

 

He added they continue to rehearse for the arrival of the Pope.

 

"We are doing the dry runs and simulation exercises and scenario building and contingency or incident management with all stakeholders," he added.

 

On Thursday, policemen were seen conducting a dry run for the Pope's motorcade from Tacloban Airport to Palo on January 17.

 

A police officer, who refused to be named, told GMA News Online that they will be standing at their designated positions during the entire time the Pope is in the province.

 

He also noted that they will be facing their backs against the Pope so as to control the crowd.

 

"Okay lang po 'yon, para maprotektahan ang Papa," he added.

 

On Jan. 17, the Pope will be in Yolanda-stricken areas in Leyte to hold a Mass at the Tacloban airport and have lunch will survivors of the strongest typhoon to ever hit landfall. He will also bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor in Palo, Leyte and meet with religious and more survivors at the Palo cathedral.

 

The Pope's main purpose for visiting the Philippines is to be with the survivors of the typhoon that killed thousands in November 2013. — RSJ, GMA News