AFP fetes personnel who secured Pope Francis

The Armed Forces of the Philippines cited on Monday its personnel who helped in securing Pope Francis during his recently concluded visit. PHOTO/Armed Forces of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines cited on Monday its personnel who helped in supervising the security operations for the recently concluded visit of Pope Francis.

“Yung total dedication nila na halos hindi na umuwi. Hindi naasikaso yung kanilang comfort para lang magampanan yung mga trabaho,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo after the awarding ceremony on Monday.

Those who were awarded with Military Merit Medal by Gazmin and AFP chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang were: Brigadier General Apolinario Y. Aloba, Brigadier General Domingo B. Palisoc Jr., Brigadier General Arnold A. Mancita, Colonel Dinoh A. Dolina, Colonel Lenard T. Agustin, Colonel Ferozaldo Paul T. Regencia, Colonel Roberto T. Ancan, Colonel William A. Alunday, Colonel Ignacio B. Madriaga, Captain Ernesto C. Enriquez, Colonel Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., Colonel Roldan M. Jovenal, Colonel Benedict M. Arevalo, Lieutenant Colonel Otto Thomas Aquinas M. Pacia, Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel O. Marquez and Major Jimmy V. Jimenez.

There were about 10,000 soldiers and 7,000 reservists who helped in securing the Pope during his visit last January 15 to 19.

Over the weekend, Malacanang admitted that it was aware of the reported threats on the life of Pope Francis but said that these were “raw and unverified information.”

The military and police have repeatedly assured before Pope Francis’ visit that there were no reports of terror threat.