POPE Francis will use three popemobiles for his five-day apostolic and state visit on Jan. 15 to 19, Papal Visit organizers said.
In a press briefing Monday (Jan. 11, 2015), transportation committee head Bishop Ruperto Santos said two of the popemobiles were made locally—a jeepney-inspired vehicle to be used in Manila, and a back-up vehicle. The manufacturers of the popemobiles declined to be named, he said.
Meanwhile, the Pope will ride the Kia popemobile used during last year’s Asian Youth Day celebrations in South Korea for the Tacloban leg of his visit.
All three popemobiles will be open and accessible as requested by the Pope himself.
Security measures and guidelines were also discussed during the briefing, and government officials urged the faithful to remain calm during the Pope’s visit.
President Benigno Aquino III wants all Filipinos to follow security guidelines during the Papal Visit, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
“Ang panawagan po ng Pangulo ay maging mahinahon tayo. Sumunod tayo sa discipline officers, marshals, ushers at pulis,” Coloma said during the briefing.
To ensure the Pope’s safety, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will conduct simulations later at 6 PM, starting at Villamor Airbase.
Also present during the briefing were Palace Undersecretary for Legislative, Policy, and Legal Affairs Jess Anthony Yu; Papal Visit Media Committee Head Bishop Mylo Vergara; and Papal Visit Media and Information Committee Head Msgr. Pedro Quitorio. Arianne F. Merez
