AFP: No need for adult diapers

MANILA, Philippines—Unlike traffic constables, soldiers will not be compelled to wear adult diapers.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, which will deploy thousands of its troops to secure Pope Francis’ visit next week, does not see the need to use adult diapers to endure long working hours.

“The Armed Forces will not be providing adult diapers,” AFP spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla said on Friday.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority earlier required its enforcers to wear diapers while on duty for the Feast of Black Nazarene. This was also seen as a dry run for the pope’s visit.

“Our security sector practitioners ay trained naman po. Alam naman po nila at kaya naman po nilang i-hold ang kanilang bladder kung sakasakali at meron naman po tayong mga public toilets sa ating mga control points para mabiigyan ng serbisyo ang ating mga kababayan pati na po yung ating nagsisilbing security,” Padilla said.

However, even if they would not issue diapers to their personnel, the soldiers have a choice if they want to do so.

“Ito po ay isang personal preference. Kung gusto po nila nasa kanila po pero hindi po namin sila ino-obliga,” Padilla said.

The AFP will deploy 17,000 of its men to secure the pope’s visit from January 15 to 19. About 10,000 of these would be active soldiers while 7,000 would be reservists.

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