(UPDATE) 12,000 troops to be deployed to secure Pope's visit

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines will deploy up to 12, 000 soldiers and military reservists to secure the upcoming visit of Pope Francis, the Southeast Asian country's military chief said today.

In an interview in the military headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, armed forces chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang said they are dry- running their measures together with the Philippine National Police to help ensure the safety of Pope Francis when he visits Manila and Leyte Province starting next week.

"We'll have 6,000-7,000," said Catapang when asked how many troops will be deployed to secure the Pope's visit. "And we are also mobilizing the reservists, maybe about 5,000 reservists."

"We already crafted plans in areas where the Pope will go and our next action is rehearsal, walk through our people so they will know where they are going to position themselves," Catapang said.

He said the visit is a "security challenge" for security forces. He said they are considering all possibilities in adopting the security preparations, including a possible assassination attempt.

"Our greatest worry is the people surge on the Pope, that is why we are putting up the barricades. Hopefully, the people will be understanding. They will all have a chance to take a glimpse of the Pope," he said.

Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado said all available assets of the Air Force in Metro Manila and in Leyte will be dedicated for the provision of the air cover.

Delgado said he is recommending the declaration of a no-fly zone of the areas where the Pope will be visiting on specific dates but this may need the approval of the president.