Security 'nightmare' for Philippine papal visit

[webfact]

Security 'nightmare' for Philippine papal visit

MANILA: -- Philippine troops are facing a security “nightmare” during Pope Francis’s visit starting Thursday, with potential stampedes, Islamic militants and lone-wolf assailants all concerns, according to INQUIRER.net.

Nearly 40,000 soldiers and police are being deployed to protect the pontiff during his five-day trip to the Philippines, a majority Catholic nation where attempts have been made to kill visiting popes twice before.

“For this year, this will be the greatest security nightmare that we can have,” Philippine military chief General Gregorio Catapang said as he readied his troops for the pontiff’s arrival.

Authorities have stated the huge crowds of devout Catholics are their main worry, with up to six million people expected for a mass in Manila on Sunday.

Giant throngs are also expected along his motorcade routes in the capital, while a one-day trip to typhoon-devastated communities in the central Philippines will pose its own problems.

In a nationally televised address on Monday, President Benigno Aquino pleaded with his countrymen planning to join the crowds to remain calm and avoid creating a stampede that could endanger the pope. “I ask you, do you want history to record that a tragedy involving the pope happened in the Philippines,” Aquino said.

Aside from a crowd potentially crushing the pope, Aquino also warned that blocking his motorcade would make him an easy target for an assailant. The president referred to the threat of “terrorism” and an assassination attempt on John Paul II at the Vatican in 1981, as he called on all Filipinos to help protect Francis in the Philippines.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/security-nightmare-philippine-papal-visit


-- Thai PBS 2015-01-15

[Nemesis7]

Nothing will happen to him. Pope is a respected person and respected by all.No point of making so much fuss about it, unless the Phil govt wants some money from the west for this reason.

[slipperylobster]

Nothing will happen to him. Pope is a respected person and respected by all.No point of making so much fuss about it, unless the Phil govt wants some money from the west for this reason.

Nothing will happen to journalists there either? How about people who vote wrong, or decide to run against long standing family political networks? The Abu Sayaf will just sit peacefully, and ignore the potential media blitz? New Peoples Army will take a day off? Of course...there are no nutters in the Philippines, they all abide by the social norms? No foreign "bad guys" getting through immigration with their bribes nowadays?

Anyways, good you sounded the "All clear"...now the security forces can "stand down".

[Don Aleman]

I am Catholic and see this visit as just another PR - BS trip trying to boost the image of the Pope and Catholic religion while making sure the devout continue to fill the Vatican coffers. Estimated cost = 15 MILLION US dollars which could have

been spent on actually helping the distresses and poor.

[Jingthing]

I am not a Catholic but I have known many Filipino Catholics. I find their flavor of devotion very sweet and I'm happy for that troubled country to get this visit from this quite distinctive Pope. As Pope's go, Francis is quite remarkable.

[hawker9000]

Nothing will happen to him. Pope is a respected person and respected by all.No point of making so much fuss about it, unless the Phil govt wants some money from the west for this reason.

You could hardly be more wrong. You should read a little more, and bloviate a little less. The Bojinka plot in '95. The same pope, John Paul II, was the target of another plot in 1999 (the papal visit was cancelled). Pope Paul VI was actually stabbed at the Manila Int'l Airport in 1970. I imagine the 2 army battalions and Swiss Guard plain clothesmen who've been assigned to security for the pope for this visit are taking their role fairly seriously.

[Ulic]

There is no great cost for the security as everyone is in the military or police force. Just a bean counters number.

There are however loonies in the south who would love to take out the Pope (probably also some high ranking Vatican

bankers, and others opposed to his house cleaning and direction he is taking the faithful) So let the Philippine

masses enjoy there visit with the Pontiff if that is what brings them a little joy. I am just glad not to be there suffering

the traffic congestion. (BTW, I am not the least bit religious, or a conspiracy theorist)

[Asia2000]

All the Philippines are celebrating the Pope visit.

Watching the Local TV news here in the Philippines. The Security around the Pope is incredible tight.

On the way to the Palace this morning, the Pope's car was surrounded by 4 Swat team cars, just 1 meter away. Making it very difficult for the welcoming crowd, to get a view / photo of the Pope.

People been waiting since 2 am, along the route he was driving this morning.

On the way from the Palace to the Cathedral, security was not as tight, and people could finally welcoming the Pope.

Security nightmare?

Muslims in the south of Philippines, has said they will not interfere with the Pope's visit.

However, potential stampedes are something that happen many times here. The Filipinos thinks it's worth it, to touch the Pope, in belief they get blessed. (According to Filipino friends).

[hawker9000]

There is no great cost for the security as everyone is in the military or police force. Just a bean counters number.

There are however loonies in the south who would love to take out the Pope (probably also some high ranking Vatican

bankers, and others opposed to his house cleaning and direction he is taking the faithful) So let the Philippine

masses enjoy there visit with the Pontiff if that is what brings them a little joy. I am just glad not to be there suffering

the traffic congestion. (BTW, I am not the least bit religious, or a conspiracy theorist)

"So let the Philippine masses enjoy there visit with the Pontiff if that is what brings them a little joy."

I'm sure the "Philippine masses" greatly appreciate having your permission.

How silly and condescending...

[soihok]

Estimated 6 million attend Mass in Manila in attendance with the pope.

Fair play to them.

Sounds like a nightmare to me, but whatever floats your boat ............