Task Force starts preparations for Papal visit in January

Special Task Force “Papal Visit 2015” has started to prepare for the visit of Pope Francis in January, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Designated to head the task force is Deputy Chief for Operations (TDCO), Deputy Director Gen. Leonardo A. Espina.

In a statement, PNP chief/ Dir. Gen. Alan L. Purisima said extensive security coverage and other public safety services will be undertaken in all areas of engagements during the Papal visit.

“It is imperative that the security and safety of the Pope be given utmost prior-

ity,” he stressed. Thus, sustained anti-criminality and internal security operations in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and concerned local government units are also being conducted.

The PNP had earlier announced that more than 3,000 policemen will be deployed to secure Pope Francis and other foreign visitors during the visit to Leyte and Manila.

Pope Francis will be in the Philip- pines January 15-19, 2015. He will visit Tacloban on January 17.

Task forces Purisima said Espina, as the task force commander, will provide strategic direction, monitor and supervise the operations of PNP units and personnel that will compose the different task groups in the different venues. The PNP has organized several task groups to provide a wide range of security functions in all areas of en-

gagement.

PNP’s role “The PNP will also provide operational support to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) which is tasked to provide close-in security and safety services to the Pope and His entourage,” said Purisima.

Crowd control The PNP chief is a member of the multi-agency Papal visit national organizing committee tasked with the management and coordination of all plans and activities, maintain peace and order, and safeguard participants.

The committee’s task will include public safety assistance necessary for order maintenance and police services for crowd control, vehicular and pedestrian traffic direction and route, parking and venue security.

Third Pope to visit PH Pope Francis will be the third pontiff to visit the country, after Pope Paul VI in 1970, and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995.

The visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Philippines on January 15-19, 2015 will spotlight not on the Pope but on the communities affected by the super-typhoon “Haiyan” (“Yolanda”) which displaced four million people.

Pope Francis will mingle with the people of Tacloban. “Our compassionate shepherd comes to show his deep concern for our people who have gone through devastating calamities, especially in the Visayas. He comes to confirm us in our faith as we face the challenges of witnessing to the Joy of the Gospel in the midst of our trials,” the Pastoral Letter by Philippine bishops issued on July 4, 2014 said. (With additional details from the MB Archives)