Pope Francis’ safety during PHL visit tops govt’s priorities

The safety of Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in January is a top priority of the government, a Malacañang official on Sunday said.

"Ang kaligtasan ng Santo Papa at maayos na pagdaraos ng kanyang state visit ay binibigyan ng pinakamataas na prayoridad ng ating pamhalaan sa pakikipagtulungan at pakikipag-ugnayan sa Simbahang Katoliko sa pamamagitan din ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines," President Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said over state-run dzRB.

Coloma said the government is doing everything to ensure the safety of the Pope.

The Manila city government on Friday said it will install additional closed-circuit television cameras in areas Pope Francis is expected to visit including University of Santo Tomas in Sampaloc, Manila, Manila Cathedral in Intramuros and Quirino Grandstand at Luneta.

It has also declared January 15 to 19—the date of the Pope's visit—as a five-day work holiday. — Kathryn Mae P. Tubadeza/BM, GMA News