Still no threat for Pope Francis visit -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Still no threat for Pope Francis visit -- AFP

He said what they are more worried about is the crowd which could get a little out of hand once they see the Pontiff in the flesh.

Padilla said they also have prepared measures to deal with these contingencies.

And when questioned again, he said that security threats for the five-day Apostolic visit is still "zero".

Padilla made this comment after noting even the New People's Army (NPA) declared a truce with the military while the Abu Sayyay Group (ASG) is off-balance as law enforcement operations are still ongoing in their bailiwicks in Sulu and Basilan.

However, despite this, he said they are making security provisions so that they will not be caught flat-footed by any surprises.

"There is always some degrees of capability remaining but we have made provision for that," Padilla pointed out.

The AFP spokesman said they are still to detect any threats even from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

"They (BIFF) are now focusing on their stand (argument) against the Bangsamoro Basic Law," he added.

And with these developments, Padilla said they are praying that the five-day visit will conclude peacefully.

"We are praying (that) it become like that and the outcome will be peaceful and successful," the AFP spokesman stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=724281