Southern Luzon Command beefs up security for papal visit participants

From the Manila Times (Jan 10): Southern Luzon Command beefs up security for papal visit participants

The Southern Luzon Command has ordered all its units to beef up their security preparations to ensure the safety of people who will be joining activities in honor of Pope Francis who will be visiting the country on January 15 to 19.

Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya, Southern Luzon Command chief, said this is to ensure devotees coming from Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions will be protected from groups or individuals who may disrupt these activities.

“Security along national roads, conduct of checkpoints with the PNP (Philippine National Police), as well as security augmentation to the Philippine Coast Guard in major ports in Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions are among the primary activities of our forces before, during and after the papal visit,” he added.

“There are no monitored threats. However, we will continue monitoring and intensifying our security operations and not discount the possibility of some spoilers,” Visaya said.

In Sorsogon, an Army K-9 unit augments the PCG in security operations at the Matnog Port.

A platoon sized unit that can be deployed at any point is also on standby alert.

http://www.manilatimes.net/southern-luzon-command-beefs-up-security-for-papal-visit-participants/154356/