Pope’s route in Rizal Park changed

MANILA, Philippines -  The Vatican has asked Philippine authorities in charge of Pope Francis’ route around Luneta on Sunday to make a last minute change to allow the pope to bless as many people as possible before the 3:30 p.m. mass.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said they obliged and adjusted the routes of the pope in the restricted areas near Quirino Grandstand, which had been divided into quadrants for better crowd control.

“We have some changes in preparations in response to the request of the Vatican. So instead of U-shape, we will adjust the route to S-shape to allow the pope to get near and bless more people in the crowd,” Roxas said.

Aside from the route in Luneta, Roxas said there would be no more changes in the security and other arrangements regarding the arrival of the pope, in the series of meetings in Manila today, his trip to Tacloban tomorrow and the mass on Sunday.

“Then the pope will immediately proceed with open motorcade to Roxas Boulevard to give people the chance to see him,” Roxas said.

When asked if the pope will divert from the original schedule, Roxas said government preparations were flexible and could adjust easily.

“At the end of the day it will be the pope to decide,” he said.

Roxas asked the public to observe measures to preempt criminality during the five-day stay of Pope Francis in the country.

“I believe if criminals commit crimes while our policemen are busy securing Pope Francis, it would be double mortal sin,” he said.

National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Carmelo Valmoria said about 70 percent of the 18,000-strong police force in Metro Manila has been deployed for papal security while 30 percent remains in the regular anti-crime efforts.

Aside from the NCRPO deployment, the PNP tapped 25,000 policemen to be part of security for the pope.

Valmoria directed his five district directors and 38 station commanders to secure vital government installations like the oil depots in Pandacan the US embassy along Roxas Boulevard and foreign residences and embassies against possible attacks.

Chief Superintendent Diosdado Valeroso, deputy of Task Group Manila, is in charge of the anti-criminality campaign while the pope is in the country.

Valmoria ordered Valeroso to secure the seaports, airports and bus terminals as they expect an influx of Filipinos from the provinces into Metro Manila to pay homage to the pontiff.

Valmoria ordered a round-the-clock patrol of communities in Metro Manila to prevent burglars from taking advantage of the papal visit. – With Non Alquitran, Ric Sapnu, Aie Balagtas See, Rudy Santos, Helen Flores