MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the
Philippines Chief Catapang said that he
as the top brass of military together with his troops will not fail the Holy
Father as an assurance for the very anticipated visit of Pope Francis in 2015.
“We
will not fail the Pope,” Catapang said Tuesday.
This is a brief words coming from the
military forces as it prepares for the said event amid the continuous rumors
and speculations about ISIS recruitment in some parts of Mindanao especially
the pledging of support of some local militants toward the extremist group.
Included in Pope Francis’ visit to the
country on January 15-19 is his trip to “Yolanda”-stricken Leyte.
“We are preparing an elaborate plan for the
Pope,” Catapang said. “We are elated with the visit and we are awaiting the
Pope.”
He did not, however, tell the exact plans for
the Pope’s security.
“Our compassionate shepherd comes to show his
deep concern for our people who have gone through devastating calamities,
especially in the Visayas,” Filipino Bishops wrote in their Pastoral letter
issued on July 4 in anticipation of the visit.
“He comes to confirm
us in our faith as we face the challenges of witnessing to the Joy of the
Gospel in the midst of our trials.”
