The Philippine National Police (PNP) is making early preparations
ahead of the scheduled visit of Pope Francis in January next year.
PNP Chief Director General Alan L Purisima said the PNP will apply
the principle of “Whole of Government Approach” and Major Event Security
Management Framework in security operations for the January 2015 Papal
Visit that will be highlighted by several engagements of the Pope in
different venues.
The Chief PNP has designated Deputy Chief for Operations, Police
Deputy Director General Leonardo A. Espina, as task force commander for
the PNP Special Task Force “Papal Visit 2015.”
Espina will provide strategic direction, monitor and supervise the
operations of PNP Units and personnel that will compose the different
task groups in the different venues.
Several PNP task groups have been organized to provide a wide range of security functions in all areas of engagement.
The PNP will also provide operational support to the Presidential
Security Group which is tasked to provide close-in security and safety
services to the Pope and His entourage.
The Chief PNP is a member of the multi-agency Papal Visit-National
Organizing Committee tasked with the management and coordination of all
plans and activities, maintain peace and order, and safeguard
participants. This include public safety assistance necessary for order
maintenance and police services for crowd control, vehicular and
pedestrian traffic direction and route, parking and venue security.
