PNP readies security plan for pope’s visit

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has prepared an elaborate security plan for Pope Francis’ visit in January next year.

“The PNP will provide operational support to the Presidential Security Group and close-in security services for the pope’s entourage,” PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said.

Pope Francis will be in the country from Jan. 15 to 19 next year.

Mayor said the PNP is among 18 government agencies involved in the security preparations for the papal visit.

He said the Special Task Force “Papal Visit 2015” is headed by Director Ricardo Marquez of the Directorate for Operations. There are two task groups for Manila and Leyte as well as sub-task groups headed by police officers.

Mayor said the PNP has not received any specific threat in connection with the pope’s visit, but the military is reportedly monitoring four groups that might create “disturbances.”

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office will conduct raids on known criminal lairs in Metro Manila to prevent them from taking advantage of the pope’s visit, NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Valmoria said yesterday.

Valmoria ordered his five district directors to intensify their anti-crime campaign and go after petty criminals such as  pickpockets.

He said lawless elements usually strike when people attend occasions such as the mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to be celebrated by Pope Francis. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran