AFP lauds public for ensuring incident free arrival of Pope Francis

A huge crowd faces a long barrier of policemen as they patiently wait for the motorcade of Pope Francis to pass by along Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Thursday (January 15, 2015). (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

MANILA  — With no untoward incidents marring the arrival of Pope Francis Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed its appreciation to the public who patiently bore with all security regulations imposed to ensure the safety of the Pontiff.

Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., the AFP chief-of-Staff, is very grateful that Pope Francis has finally arrived at his destination without any untoward incidents.

“The success of Thursday’s event is credited to the Filipino people as a whole for according the Pope with warm hospitality and utmost respect,” said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc on Friday.

Pope Francis is on five-day Apostolic visit in the country from Jan. 15 to 19.

“During his stay, we will take the opportunity to undergo spiritual renewal and return to God through the sacrament of reconciliation,” Cabunoc said.

The AFP public affairs office chief also said they are further requesting the public that “they manifest the same fervor of our faith as Pope Francis journey with us here in our country.”

“We must endeavor to show him the same gesture of love, respect, compassion and mercy, in the next four days of his stay with us,” Cabunoc said.