The 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, Philippine Army
stationed at Camp Gen. Mateo Capinpin in this municipality deployed two
battalions to augment the security forces for the Papal visit on January 15 to
19, 2015.
A battalion led by Lt Col Eric D Guevarra , PA will serve as
augmentation to the Joint Task Force “Francis” which will help secure the visit
of Pope in Tacloban.
“I am elated to be chosen to lead the 2ID contingent to
conduct security operations and assist in the maintenance of peace and order to
ensure the safety and successful visit of Pope Francis in Tacloban on January
17,” said Lt Col Guevarra.
A send-off ceremony for the troops was held at the Division
Grandstand, Camp Gen Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal on January 12, 2015 by
Brigadier General Joselito M Reyes, Assistant Division Commander, 2ID, PA.
In his message, BGen Reyes urged the troops to maintain a
high state of discipline and be patient when dealing with civilians during
crowd control operations. He reminded the troops that the security of the Pope
and safety of all devotees is paramount.
Likewise, another battalion led by Col Jose Augusto V.
Villareal will also support the security requirement of Task Force NCR in
ensuring peace and order during Pope’s engagement in different areas in Metro
Manila.
Meanwhile, at Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena
City , four companies or around 400
soldiers from the Southern Luzon Command will be flown to Tacloban City
The soldiers are from Army units in Southern Tagalog and
Bicol Regions. They will be transported by C-130 planes of the Philippine Air
Force.
A Navy vessel from Naval Forces Southern Luzon will be
prepositioned at Matnog Port while additional UH-1H helicopters will be
prepositioned in Legazpi City to guard security and safety of people who are
travelling to see Pope Francis during his visit to the country.
“We expect influx of commuters especially at Matnog port and
we hope nothing untoward happens,” said SOLCOM Chief Major General Ricardo R.
Visaya. He also said the prepositioning of naval and air assets to Bicol will
enable the military to react immediately to any eventuality.
Earlier, SOLCOM directed all units to beef up security
measures along national roads and major ports in the region in coordination
with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure
safe passage of people travelling for the Papal visit on January 15-19.
“We are preparing well for the security of the Pope,
pilgrims and devotees as well as for those who just want to see him so that all
undertakings shall go unhampered,” said Major General Visaya.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=725023
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