Ignore alarmist texts about plots vs Pope—AFP chief
MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) appealed to the public on Thursday to ignore text messages that could cause alarm as Pope Francis visits the Philippines.
In a press briefing a few hours before the Pope arrives, AFP chief Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. had asked the people to stop spreading text messages warning of plots to harm the Pope and millions of Catholic faithful.
Over five million people are expected to flock to Quirino Grandstand in Luneta for a Mass while authorities are also bracing for thousands of devotees in Tacloban and Palo, Leyte.
Both the AFP and the Philippine National Police denied talk of potential terror threats against the pontiff.
“Baka may ma-receive na alarmist text, huwag na ipasa. We want to assure everybody that the AFP is 100-percent ready to secure the Pope and the people,” Catapang said.
On whether there were arrests made for plotting attacks against the Pope, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said government agencies and the PNP have not monitored any arrest of a person or groups in the country.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Pope is set to arrive at the Villamor Airbase past 5 p.m.
