MANILA: With the possibility of millions flocking to Metro Manila to get a glimpse of Pope Francis, President Benigno Aquino has declared a long holiday for the scheduled visit of the pontiff in the country next month.
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr issued Proclamation 936 declaring January 15, 16 and 19 as special non-working days. The two other days in the papal visit, January 17 and 18, fall on a weekend. The holidays will cover only the National Capital Region.
The government is undertaking preparations for the papal visit and is working on the smooth flow of traffic in Metro Manila during the motorcade of the pope along major thoroughfares. Filipinos, not only those residing in Metro Manila, are expected to witness the rare event, either personally or on television.
About 25,000 policemen will be involved in the security team for the papal visit, a police official said yesterday.
Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, spokesman for the Philippine National Police (PNP), said some of the policemen will guard the places the pope would visit while others will be in charge of perimeter and route security.
Aside from Manila, the Pope is scheduled to visit Tacloban City, hardest hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November last year.
Mayor earlier said the PNP has been preparing elaborate security measures for Pope Francis.
He said the PNP will provide operational support to the Presidential Security Group and close-in security services for the pope’s entourage. He reiterated that the PNP has yet to receive any specific threat in connection with the Pope’s visit.
The Philippine Star
