Amid security preps for Papal mass Archbishop wants measures ‘relaxed’ for walk-in pilgrims

CEBU, Philippines – Palo Archbishop John Du, while pushing for the security of Pope Francis, during the Papal Mass at about 10 a.m. at the Tacloban Airport on January 17, appealed to authorities for "relaxed security measures" for the "unregistered" pilgrims.

"We are also concerned of the security, but as the pastor … we are so concerned on the pastoral aspect of his (pope) coming [so] we have to meet at certain point not to be too strict when it comes to security," said Du.

Du noted that the "rigid" security measures imposed by the authorities have been discouraging his flock to attend the Papal Mass. These pilgrims to be able to attend the ceremony have been screened and required to register with their bio-data at their respective parishes.

"The Holy Father wants to be close to the people, but the ordinary people are not used to this registration. In entering the church there is no registration. Anybody can enter," said the archbishop.

"Of course we understand the security people about their job in securing the pope, but then this is a church gathering and anybody should be allowed to enter," said Du, adding that those who are not registered in their parishes, thus deemed "walk-ins," shall be granted the chance to attend the Mass.

"If you do not see anything questionable on these persons and they are not bringing anything prohibited, let them in. …They are all welcomed by the Holy Father (and) the Church embraces everyone," he said, as he requested Chief Superintendent Asher Dolina, director of the Police Regional Office-8, to take care of the pilgrims.

The archdiocese is expecting from 120,000 to 160,000 pilgrims from Visayas and Mindanao to attend the Papal Mass, in addition to those who will opt for just seeing the pope along the motorcade route. Each of the 78 parish has been allocated with up to 1,000 pilgrims, who will serve as delegates to the Mass, said Du.

Holding and vigil places have been designated for them however, as of now, there are about 50 holding areas, mostly public schools in Tacloban City and Palo town for the pilgrims from distant places. As of the other day, many parishes of the Palo Archdiocese have not yet meet the number of pilgrims who will attend the Mass because of the "rigid" security measures.

Father Chris Arthur Militante, information officer of the archdiocese, clarified that people should not be hindered from attending the Papal Mass only because they do not have IDs issued by the committee. The ID is only meant to control the number of people who will be accommodated in the airport apron and for the color coding scheme utilized in the area.

Should there still be ample space, the walk-in attendees will have the chance to enter  the area and get a better view of the Mass, said Militante, adding that from the original set-up of four persons per square meter, the area is now extended to provide breathing space for the attendees within the apron. Thus, the area for those with IDs or tickets for the Papal Mass extends beyond the airport to include the paved portion adjacent to it.

Chief Superintendent Cedrick Train, deputy director of PRO-7, however said the security force has not been imposing barriers between the public and Pope Francis. "We only want to preserve the security of His Holiness and the people as well."

Train said that, although there will be road blockades, the delegates can still be ferried along restricted roads but assisted by the police or the military. Car passes will also be provided to the selected participants in the papal visit, like the media, and that tents along the roadsides are strictly not allowed, he said.

Du, who will be riding the Pope Mobile beside the pontiff, said everything is set and politicians will have their space in the crowd, among the well-wishers, not as VIPs but as ordinary faithful.

Dolina said PRO-8's 2,000 policemen will be augmented by 5,000 others from Regions 5, 6. 7 and Caraga, in addition to the battalion of soldiers deployed here.

Monsignor Alex Opiniano, archdiocese's security committee head, for his part had appealed for the cooperation of the people to make the pope's visit secured. "We should put in mind that the safety and security of the Pope and the pilgrims is not just a concern of the military, the police and the security committee, but it is the concern and responsibility of everyone," he said.

Restrictions like the prohibition of certain items inside the papal venues are not intended to discourage the faithful from attending the Papal Mass, but to make things easier and guarantee everyone's safety and security. "Safety and security of all depends on each of us," said Opiniano.

Dolina meanwhile announced that the rerouting of traffic will have a dry run on January 11, and finally implemented an hour after the last flight at the airport on January 16.