Personnel tasked to secure Pope Francis lauded

Filipino policemen raise their hands during security preparations for the visit of Pope Francis at the Cuneta Astrodome which they are using as temporary barracks in suburban Pasay, south of Manila, Philippines on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015. AP

MANILA, Philippines—Senators commended on Tuesday the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government agencies for “successfully securing” Pope Francis during his five-day visit to the country.

“I commend the PNP, AFP and MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) for successfully securing the Pope all throughout his historic 5-day visit,” Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said in a text message to reporters.

“They also ensured the orderly flow of the Papal activities while, at the same time, allowed our countrymen to get close enough to feel blessed by his presence,” he said.

Even opposition members like Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Joseph Victor Ejercito were all praises for the authorities who secured the Pope’s safety while in the country.

“As I said earlier, mainly, it should be the people who should be credited, but the total success is because of the all-out effort and endeavor done by the AFP, PNP and other sectors of government and the clergy,” Sotto III said in another text message.

Ejercito commended not only the he PNP, AFP, and MMDA but also the Presidential Security Group for a “well-organized” visit of Pope Francis.

“I would say that his (Pope) visit had a very strong impact in strengthening the faith of the Roman Catholics in the country,” said Ejercito.

Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, PNP officer-in-charge, also lauded all men and women of the 150,000-strong organization for their “commendable performance.”

“On behalf of the PNP, I am deeply honored and proud to extend my personal gratitude and commendation to all 150,000 officers, men and women of the Philippine National Police for their commendable performance of individual and Unit roles in security and public safety operations during the 5-day State Visit and Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis in the Philippines,” he said in a statement.

“I know that you all made your own sacrifices in performing your professional duty as police officers to accomplish this mission,” he added.

Upon the orders of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said all police officers who were detailed in areas the pontiff visited will receive “a special ribbon.”

The PNP had the largest bulk of deployment during the five-day Philippine visit of Pope Francis. The military sent 12,000 of its men.

Thousands of policemen endured long hours in their deployment areas as simulation exercises were made even days before the Pope arrived on January 15.

Police officers were also away from their families for a week as they were billeted to schools and stadiums while Pope Francis was in the country.

No untoward incidents were reported throughout the Pope’s visit, except for minor accidents in Manila and a fatal one in Tacloban where a 27-year-old volunteer died after a scaffolding fell on her.

“Let me also extend the congratulations of the national leadership to all members of the military, law enforcement, and other allied agencies that composed the ‘total government approach’ in this national event. God bless the PNP,” he said.

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Originally posted: 11:18 AM | Tuesday, January 20th, 2015