Papal security team looking at possible Sayyaf threats

MANILA, Philippines - Security men tasked to protect Pope Francis when he visits next year are looking at threats from the terrorist Abu Sayyaf.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte yesterday said all circumstances are being considered in preparing for the pope’s visit on Jan. 15.

“Contingencies are also being prepared,” she said. “Unfortunately we cannot speak about the security preparations in detail.”

President Aquino has assigned 350 peacekeepers who have returned from the Golan Heights as security for Francis.

They have been training under the leadership of Lt. Col. Ted Dumusmog.

During a visit to New York last Sept. 25, Aquino said he wanted to ensure that security for Francis would be beefed up.

“I want to see the (Presidential Security Group) double the effort, especially for the head of the Holy Mother Church,” he said.

“No incident must occur while Francis is in the country,” he added.

Aquino refused to go into details so as not to jeopardize security preparations.

“To go into details now might increase the problems of the Presidential Security Group,” he said.

Security for the Pope must be beyond the protection the PSG has accorded him, Aquino said.