AFP chief Catapang on securing Pope Francis: The devil is in the details

Published January 6, 2015 1:57pm

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Tuesday said the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines on January 15 to 19 could be the "greatest security challenge" the military would face this year.

Catapang said that while the AFP had yet to receive any information on a threat on the Pope, the military was preparing for all possibilities.

"Everything will have to be considered, kaya [mayroong] aircover kasi nakita 'yung stretch ng Roxas Boulverard, there's a lot of high rise buildings, so kailangan lalagyan mo din ng tao 'yun, so the devil is in the details talaga," he said.

He said that aside from Manila, the AFP had also firmed up security plans for the Pope in Tacloban.

Catapang said some 6,000 to 7,000 soldiers and 5,000 reservists would be deployed during the visit of the Pope.

He said the AFP would be working closely with the Philippine National Police for the Pope's security.

"We will just make do of available forces, joint forces na kami nung PNP, the PNP will bring in the biggest contigent, sila ang pinakamarami," he said.

Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado said the PAF would ensure that all the routes that will be undertaken or will be availed by the Pope will be secured."

"We’ll make all available assets within the area for the Pope’s air cover," Delgado said.

"The same way in Visayas, all air assets deployed there will be made available for ano for the security of the Pope," he added.

Greatest worry

The Pope will be welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang, and will visit Leyte, University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park.

Aside from possible threat against groups and individuals, Catapang said the AFP was also concerned about the number of participants who would want to make their way to the Pope.

"Ang greatest worry namin 'yung people surge kay Pope. Kaya kita niyo, we are putting up the barricades, and then of course hopefully the people will be so understanding that they all will have a chance to take a glimpse of the pope, " Catapang said.

"Hindi naman natin pwedeng isa-isa natin siyang kamayan diba so we are making everyone have an opportunity to have a glimpse of the Pope and not unnecessarily putting him in a difficult situation," he added.

Despite all the difficulties, Catapang assured the public that at the military was well prepared, and security measures were already in place.

"Nabuo na 'yung plano... Ang next na gagawin, rehearsal na, walk through with the people, para alam nila kung saan sila pupwesto," Catapang said. —Amanda Fernandez/NB, GMA News

Tags: armedforcesofthephilippines, papalvisit