MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) hierarchy on Monday commended its 150,000-strong personnel who provided security and public safety operations during the five-day visit of Pope Francis to the country.
In a statement, PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina lauded the men and women of the police organization for their personal "sacrifices."
"I know that you all made your own sacrifices in performing your professional duty as police officers to accomplish this mission," Espina said.
He said the papal visit operations will serve as a template for other major events to be held in the country.
"This historic visit serves to add greater spiritual and professional experience for the PNP in handling similar major events," he added.
Around 37,000 policemen and soldiers had been deployed to secure the pontiff and maintain peace and order during the five-day event.
Before leaving the country on Monday, Pope Francis personally thanked Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas for the security provided for him during his five-day stay in the country.
The meeting was briefly held at the Apostolic Nunciature a few hours before the pope left for Rome.