AFP more worried about crowds than armed groups in papal visit

MANILA, Philippines - What worries soldiers about the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines this January?

It’s not so much about the armed groups who could sabotage the pontiff’s historic visit to the largest Catholic country in Asia.

The military is more concerned about the crowds who might mob the pope, who is fond of mingling with devotees.

“There is no such threat (from armed groups). Our concern is he might be mobbed by the devotees,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. told reporters Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo.

Catapang noted that the pope sometimes alights from his heavily guarded vehicle just to greet the crowds. He said they are concerned that the pontiff might trip off if he gets swarmed by devotees.

“The people like him very much,” the Catapang said.

But apart from possible mishaps, the military does not see any serious threat that could disrupt the papal visit.

“There is no threat to our pope. You know, our pope is very popular,” he added.

While securing important persons is a daunting task, Catapang said they are looking forward to Pope Francis’ visit.

Pope Francis will visit the country from January 15-19 and is expected to go to areas affected by typhoon “Yolanda.”

The visit will come amid concerns over the threats posed by the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq, a terrorist group that is reportedly recruiting members in different countries.

President Aquino has given assurance that the pope would be given adequate security during his visit.

The military will provide two battalions to augment the security forces who will secure Pope Francis.

Among those who will help safeguard the pope are the Filipino peacekeepers who figured in a standoff with Syrian rebels in Golan Heights last August.