Pope Francis makes historic visit in PH
Ericka Mae G. Pabalan
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The Filipino Watchdog 10:30 PM | Thursday, March 26th, 2015
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Filipinos reunited and showed their strong faith during the Pope Francis’ visit in the Philippines.
Filipinos broke their previous record for the number of attendees during Pope John Paul’s visit in the country 20 years ago. In Pope John Paul’s 1995 visit, the number of attendees was 5 million compared to this year’s record of 6 million. “Inabangan ko s’ya kasi naniniwala ako na may magandang blessings na darating kung makikiisa ako sa libo-libo taong naghihintay din na makita s’ya (Pope), once in a lifetime kaya ‘yon kungat pwedeng ibilang mo sa history ng Pilipinas.” Cherry Gonzalo, a resident near Grandstand, Mabini street.
Looking wet and uncomfortable, people waited for Pope Francis’ mass in Grandstand. Some just patiently waited for the the Pope’s parade in Metro Manila.
To prevent stampede incidents, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said the Philippine National Police (PNP) would separate the crowd into several grids, each measuring about 40 meters by 40 meters. He said the grids would be separated by collapsible physical barriers and would be manned by at least 400 Army reservists, 8 policemen, 10 health personnel, 10 Red Cross volunteers and 2 marshals. At least 30 giant LED monitors will be placed around the quadrants to offer the people a view of the Pope during the mass.
Director Carmelo Valmoria, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, said about 20,000 policemen would be stationed around Rizal Park (Luneta) for the Sunday mass. According to Valmoria, the PNP will prohibit the people from holding vigils and staying overnight in Luneta on Saturday as part of its security preparation. He said the venue would be open to the public as early as 6 a.m.
Filipinos broke their previous record for the number of attendees during Pope John Paul’s visit in the country 20 years ago. In Pope John Paul’s 1995 visit, the number of attendees was 5 million compared to this year’s record of 6 million. “Inabangan ko s’ya kasi naniniwala ako na may magandang blessings na darating kung makikiisa ako sa libo-libo taong naghihintay din na makita s’ya (Pope), once in a lifetime kaya ‘yon kungat pwedeng ibilang mo sa history ng Pilipinas.” Cherry Gonzalo, a resident near Grandstand, Mabini street.
Looking wet and uncomfortable, people waited for Pope Francis’ mass in Grandstand. Some just patiently waited for the the Pope’s parade in Metro Manila.
To prevent stampede incidents, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said the Philippine National Police (PNP) would separate the crowd into several grids, each measuring about 40 meters by 40 meters. He said the grids would be separated by collapsible physical barriers and would be manned by at least 400 Army reservists, 8 policemen, 10 health personnel, 10 Red Cross volunteers and 2 marshals. At least 30 giant LED monitors will be placed around the quadrants to offer the people a view of the Pope during the mass.
Director Carmelo Valmoria, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, said about 20,000 policemen would be stationed around Rizal Park (Luneta) for the Sunday mass. According to Valmoria, the PNP will prohibit the people from holding vigils and staying overnight in Luneta on Saturday as part of its security preparation. He said the venue would be open to the public as early as 6 a.m.