By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Jan 19 (PNA) — The government is very thankful to the public and the security personnel in helping make Pope Francis’ State and Pastoral visit to the country from January 15-19, 2014 a peaceful one.
In a briefing after the departure of the Pontiff Monday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Hermnio Coloma Jr. the public heeded the government’s call to cooperate in all the activities and follow the security personnel.
”I’m sure you will agree with me that they did all of those,” he said.
Coloma said the organizers also followed the Pope and the Church leaders’ call to allow the Pontiff to be visible and accessible to the people.
”Our people responded from the heart and they responded with faith and now they are full of hope,” he said.
Coloma also thanked all the security personnel who helped secure all the premises where the Pope’s activities were held.
”Saludo po kami sa inyo at maraming salamat po. Sa lahat po ng pagkakataon kapansin-pansin ‘yung dedikasyon, ‘yung sipag, ‘yung pagiging masigasig, mapagpasensiya ng ating mga sundalo at pulis. Hindi po sila natitinag sa kanilang lugar. Hindi nila inalintana ‘yung wala silang tulog. Hindi na nagpalit ng kasuotan nang nabasa ng ulan. Basta kung nasaan po sila, kahit na nakatalikod sila sa Santo Papa at ni hindi nila nakikita ‘yung dumadaan, ginawa pa rin nila ‘yung tungkulin nila sapagkat sa tingin ko po, deep in their hearts, it was not just because they were performing a duty; they were also experiencing a faith moment. Nagkaroon ng kahulugan ‘yung pananampalataya at naiugnay nila ‘yon sa pagganap nila ng kanilang tungkulin,” he added. (PNA)