Pope’s envoy to IEC in Talisay on Sunday

CEBU, Philippines - Police in Talisay City have already formulated a security plan for the scheduled visit of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the papal legate to the ongoing 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu.

Superintendent Germano Mallari, chief of Talisay City police, assured there will be enough police personnel deployed within the vicinity of Don Bosco Missionary Seminary in Barangay Lawaan III where Bo is set to celebrate a Mass on Sunday morning.

Aside from the police, barangay tanods have also been tapped to help maintain peace and order in the area, said Mallari. On top of this, he expects another augmentation force from the Cebu Provincial Police Office to be assigned in Lawaan III.

Based on initial talks with organizers, Mallari said they expect a few delegates to accompany the papal legate while another 300 to 500 people are expected to attend the Mass at Don Bosco.

Personnel from the City of Talisay-Traffic Operation Development Authority (CT-TODA) are expected to ensure smooth traffic flow along the Cebu South Road while the Mass is officiated.

"Lapad-lapad man hinuon ang karsada mao na nga dili kaayo ni makaapekto sa traffic. Pero ready ra ang mga enforcers kun ingkaso og aduna’y problema sa traffic," Mallari said.

Police are still on the heightened alert status for the whole duration of IEC which is being held in Cebu for the first time in the congress’ history.

After the Don Bosco Mass, the papal legate will be ushered back to Cebu City to attend another gathering.

Bo will also visit Barangay Pasil in Cebu City where Don Bosco Youth Center and Don Bosco Training Center are located. Both centers were named after St. John Bosco, a Salesian priest, whose congregation is where the cardinal associates himself.

As Pope Francis’ legate to the 51st IEC, Bo is the official representative of the Vatican to the international gathering. (FREEMAN)