Cops, soldiers who kept Pontiff safe to be cited

The Pope’s convoy arrives near the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila after Pope Francis celebrated mass at the Manila Cathedral on Friday, January 16, 2015. PDI/Rem Zamora

MANILA, Philippines–The policemen and soldiers who took on the job of keeping Pope Francis safe during his recent visit to the country will be feted by their respective organizations on Monday.

In separate ceremonies, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will honor their personnel who had the rare opportunity of securing the Pope.

Over 28,000 policemen will receive a special ribbon while some of their colleagues will be awarded merit medals.

PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina will lead the award rites for policemen from the PNP national headquarters and the National Capital Region Police Office during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame today.

The awarding coincides with the PNP’s anniversary during which its personnel will sign an integrity pledge.

The AFP will likewise honor on Monday its 12,000 troops who secured Pope Francis from Jan. 15 to 19.

AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said this was in “appreciation of the efforts of the units who secured the Pope and kept everything in order.”–Julie M. Aurelio