25,000 cops, force multipliers to secure Pope

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying around 25,000 policemen and force multipliers during the visit of Pope Francis to the country January next year.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said that aside from the PNP personnel, the government will also be tapping the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Presidential Security Group to secure the Pope.

"Siguro bago dumating ang Santo Papa mga 1,000 ... sa peak niyan siguro aabot tayo sa 25,000," Mayor said in a radio interview.

He said that the National Capital Region Police Office has been on heightened alert up to the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 and the papal visit from January 15 to January 19.

"Nakahanda naman ang Philippine National Police, at the same time, ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na kasama dito sa Papal visit," Mayor said.

He called on the people participating in the events to cooperate with authorities to maintain peace and order and for their own safety.