AFP: No threat to Pope’s safety

PALO, LEYTE — A top official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday morning dismissed reports that a nephew of a “bomber” from Mindanao is now in Palo and has been here for the past several months, renting a P40,000-per-month house.

Colonel Mario Dimaesep, commander of the AFP’s Civil Military Relations Service, said the reports were baseless and merely intended by a group to frighten people who will be coming to Leyte to welcome Pope Francis.

Dimaesep said the military, which will be joining the security detail of the Pope during the entirety of his visit to Leyte, are fully equipped in all aspects and can give the Pope the best security.

“We are ready and people who have criminal desires have no place in this occasion. People must remain calm, as we are here for peace and not for war,” Demaesep added.

The unconfirmed reports did not reveal the identity of the alleged bomber or what terrorist group he belongs to.

Security loosened

Unregistered devotees will now be allowed to hear the Pope celebrate Mass at the Tacloban airport.

Reverend Father Amadeo Alvero, communications director of the Palo Archdiocese, said this was after Palo Archbishop John Du personally requested the national organizing committee to loosen the security for the benefit of walk-in pilgrims.

“Archbishop Du asked the security in-charge if they could loosen a bit and not implement the rigid security measures,” Alvero said.

One of the policies modified during the Tacloban airport is the No ID, No Entry policy.

“Those with no pilgrim ID as they had not registered will now be allowed entry to the airport. But only after those who have IDs have entered. Also, they have to undergo rigid security check unlike those who pre-registered and cleared from their parishes,” Alvero added.

“Yes, I am happy because military and police authorities have responded my call to just lessen its security, as long as they (pilgrims) will allow for inspection,” Du said.

Reports have it that only a small number of pilgrims have registered because of the many documents required, prompting the archbishop to ask the police to allow walk-in people into the Mass venue at the airport.

Registration closed

Yesterday was the last day of the registration of parish pilgrims. Registration of participants from different parishes and dioceses started November 12.

Palo archdiocese participants’ registration has already reached 90 percent.

“In Palo archdiocese alone, we target 78,000 people from 78 parishes. So far, we have reached 60,000, about 90 percent,” Alvero said.

Official delegates from outside Palo archdiocese have already reached 11,000. These are from neighboring Eastern Visayas dioceses of Borongan, Catarman, Naval, Maasin, among others.

The Cebu archdiocese was given 1,000 slots for the Tacloban mass. Those attending the mass in Leyte are cautioned that only transparent bags will be allowed while umbrellas and mineral water bottles will not be allowed inside the airport.

“They need not worry because raincoats and ponchos will be provided. We prepared one million of these from our donors,” Alvero said.

Rerouting

The rerouting of traffic along the papal motorcade will start on January 16, as authorities are now expecting a huge number of people to come in for the occasion. Traffic is seen to be heavy from the airport to Marasbaras in Tacloban and also up to Palo.

In case the crowd cannot be managed Fr. Chris Militante said the Pope will be airlifted via helicopter to the Archbishop Residence in Palo.

“In case this scenario will happen, the motorcade might be cancelled,” he added.

No NDF rep

Alvero also belied reports that National Democratic Front spokesman, Fr. Santiago Salas, will be joining the group of priests coming to Leyte for the papal visit on January 17.

Alvero said that, as of this date, Salas has yet to register thus he is not yet part of the list of the chancery who will join those who will welcome the pope.

“Actually, I haven’t heard and encountered the name of Fr. Salas being listed or registered. All coming priests have to register and that is part of the security measures,” he said.  —/BRP (FREEMAN)