ADVOCACY MINDANOW: Pope Francis’ visit a security nightmare (Philippines)

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ADVOCACY MINDANOW: Pope Francis’ visit a security nightmare

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/22 December) — During my call on former President Fidel V. Ramos recently in his Makati office, he wondered what kind of security contingency measures were in place for the Pope’s visit. He recalled how “Operation Bojingka” of foreign terrorists from the Middle East planning to assassinate Pope John Paul during his visit in the Philippines in the 1970s, was timely discovered and aborted.

Read more mindanews.com/mindaviews/2014/12/22/advocacy-mindanow-pope-francis-visit-a-security-nightmare/

Reds declare truce for holidays, Pope’s visit

Read more mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/12/20/reds-declare-truce-for-holidays-popes-visit/

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/20 December) — The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has declared a ceasefire for the holidays and during the visit of Pope Francis in January.

In a statement dated sent Friday, the CPP ordered its armed wing, the New People’s Army, to observe a ceasefire during the following periods: 12:01 am of December 24, 2014 to 11:59 pm of December 26, 2014; 12:01 am of December 31, 2014 to 11:59 pm of January 1, 2015; and 12:01 am of January 15, 2015 to 11:59 pm of January 19, 2015.

“During the aforementioned days, all units of the New People’s Army and people’s militia are ordered to desist from carrying out offensive operations against units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the various armed paramilitary groups attached to the Government of the Philippines (GPH),” the declaration said.

Excuse the headline if it does not sound proper but I had seen these stories. The 2nd story is probably a little better but the headline, “Reds” almost sounds like a pejorative term so I went with the first story even though it looks like it needs editing.

There has been a lot on the future visit of Pope Francis in the Philippine press. Thought I’d share some of it. I am sure it is going to be safe but nonetheless, something to pay attention to. Apparently, they have various Insurgent groups in the country.