Palo Cathedral fumigated for Pope’s visit Saturday

One day before Pope Francis' visit to Leyte province, authorities fumigated the Palo Cathedral in time for his engagement there.

 

Local health authorities said this is to ensure public health, radio dzBB's Rodil Vega reported from Palo town.

 

The Pope on Saturday is to meet with religious leaders and families of survivors of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) there, and pray at a Mass grave at the back of the cathedral.

 

Palo was one of the areas hit hardest by Yolanda, which left more than 6,300 dead after devastating the Visayas in November 2013.

 

As of Friday, the local Philippine National Police said all systems are go as far as security for the pope's visit to Leyte is concerned.

 

The PNP ironed out security arrangements with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Group and Vatican police, and are to hold another dry run for security Friday morning.

 

Motorists barred from motorcade route
 

Meanwhile, the police reminded motorists they cannot pass through areas included in the route of the Pope's motorcade from Tacloban Airport to Palo, starting 6 a.m. Saturday.

 

Pilgrims were also reminded of the location of medical stations and medical teams along the route of the motorcade.

 

Also, dzBB's Vega reported that as of Friday, transparent bags were selling briskly in Leyte, especially in Palo.

 

Police had advised the public attending the pope's events to bring transparent bags for security checks. — Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News