Government disseminates information to ensure safe, orderly visit of Pope Francis

The government has released infographics, advising the people about flight schedules, road closures, as well as ways to ensure everyone’s safety during the five-day visit of Pope Francis, which starts Thursday (Jan. 15).

"The President has asked us to do some infographics and to remind and inform the people," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. 

The infographics contain the Pope’s itinerary during his entire stay here in the Philippines, from arrival to departure, Lacierda said.

There are information on the operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the papal visit, he said, noting that at certain times, arrivals and departures will not be allowed, depending on aircraft activity or aircraft turnaround.

There is also an advisory on the no-fly zone, he added.

On the operations of the Light Rail Transit, Lacierda said the Quirino LRT station will remain closed from January 15 to 19 but the entire LRT Line will be open. 

Trains will bypass the Quirino station from January 15 to January 19, he said, noting that the station will be closed from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday January 15; and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday January 17.

On Friday January 16, and on Sunday January 18, the Quirino station will be closed the entire day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.                                                    

On Monday January 19, the day of the pope's departure, it will be closed from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The Palace is also disseminating safety reminders to the public to ensure the security of the pope and those attending his events, especially the Holy Mass at Rizal Park.

"For the Luneta event, which is expected to draw millions of visitors, we’d like to emphasize three things: be calm, don’t push, and don’t run," Lacierda said.

At the same time, he called on those joining the events to practice good manners and right conduct by not littering and refraining from making pranks that might cause the crowd to panic.

He advised the people to bring identification cards, snacks, raincoats instead of umbrellas, and put these things in transparent plastic bags instead of backpacks. 

He also cautioned the people against bringing fragile items, wearing expensive jewelry and bringing too much cash.
"There will be an opportunity for some to filch from other people’s pockets," he said.

He further advised the people not to bring alcohol and pets.

All the reminders and information could be found in the government website www.gov.ph, Lacierda said. (PCOO News Release)