MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police is gearing up for the scheduled visit of Pope Francis in January 2015.
PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said the police force is preparing ahead of the Papal visit slated early next year that will be highlighted by several engagements of the Pope in different venues.
Purisima has designated Deputy Chief for Operations Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, as Task Force Commander for the PNP Special Task Force "Papal Visit 2015."
Espina will provide strategic direction, monitor and supervise the operations of PNP Units and personnel that will compose the different task groups in different venues.
Several PNP task groups have been organized to provide a wide range of security functions in all areas of engagement.
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.
"Extensive security coverage and other public safety services will be undertaken in all areas of engagements and its adjacent areas during the Papal Visit. It is imperative that the security and safety of the Pope be given utmost priority," Purisima said.
Purisima 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. This includes public safety assistance necessary for order maintenance and police services for crowd control, vehicular and pedestrian traffic direction and route, parking and venue security.
"Sustained anti-criminality and internal security operations in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and concerned local government units are also being conducted," Purisima said.