300 Ilocos Norte cops augment Papal visit security; 40 families chosen for Pope’s ‘Encounter with Families’

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Laoag City—As Pope Francis arrived on Jan. 15, 2015 in Metro Manila, at least 300 police officers from the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) will join the massive security detail for the Papal visit.

The Ilocos Norte police officers left for Metro Manila on Jan. 12, 2015 to join an estimated 40,000 other security personnel that would be deployed in all areas where the Pope will visit.

Prior to their deployment, INPPO officer-in-charge P/Sr. Supt. Sterling Raymund Blanco reiterated that “service to God above all” must always be their guiding light as they prepare for their mission to provide augmentation force and ensure security of the pontiff.

After the final briefing and orientation, Rev. Fr. Joey Ranjo of the Diocese of Laoag led a prayer and blessing of the Ilocos Norte contingent on the evening before their deployment to Metro Manila.

Mr. Blanco also assured that the police have enough personnel to ensure peace and order situation in the province during the Papal visit.

40 Ilocos Norte families chosen to meet Pope

Meanwhile, 40 families here were also chosen to have an audience with the Pope on Jan. 16 during the “Encounter with Families” event of the Papal visit at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After attending the mass on Jan. 11, 2015, the chosen families were gathered at the Jansen Hall beside the St. William Cathedral in Laoag City for a short briefing and orientation so that they will know what to do during their encounter with Pope Francis.

For Frances Kristy Alegre, 27 and a resident of Pinili town, she expressed her gladness that fortunately she was given this chance to see the Peoples pope.

“I feel blessed that in a few days, I will see Pope Francis in person. The mere thought of seeing him, near or far is overwhelming. I hope this journey with him will foster unity among mankind,” Ms. Alegre said.

Sharing the same excitement back in 1995 when she was also a delegate to the World Youth Day and where she met with Pope John Paul II, Mary Geraldine Paderon of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals said, “As the whole nation awaits the arrival of Pope Francis, I can’t help but look back at those two grace-filled days with St. John Paul II on August 14-15, 1995. I would like to rekindle my ‘yes’ and my commitment to what God asked of my youth 24 years ago, If I do not, I will not have understood that the World Youth Day experience continues for all the days of my life and I would not be able to say that on that day I was there too.”

“You can just imagine how excited I am now. Let us all rally around Pope Francis on the 16^th as we welcome and cordon him at SM MOA,” Ms. Paderon posted this in her Facebook account with Pope Francis and the BCBP logo as her profile photo.