World impressed with ‘Filipino brand’

The no-nonsense security measures put in place by the Cabinet cluster on security ensured the safety of Pope Francis during his recent visit to the Philippines.

The government’s insistence on the observance of the security protocol was significant. The posting of police personnel between the crowds and the convoy of the Pope along the route of the Pope’s itinerary readily ensured order and strengthened the security setup; it prevented people from rushing to the Pope’s service vehicle, thus avoiding chaos.

The directive on telcos to block cell phone signals in some areas during the papal visit was a crucial preventive security measure, considering that previous terrorist bombings in the country were triggered by cell phones.

The installation of “quadrants” on the grounds of Luneta, Tacloban airport and the University of Santo Tomas campus was efficient management of a massive crowd.

We have to give credit when it is due. I like to believe that the successful security measures instituted during the Pope’s visit showed clearly the imprints of the methodical and sharp mind of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, the “maestro” in the planning preparations and execution of the various aspects of security measures not only for the Pope but also for the Filipino multitude. His PNP (Philippine National Police) boys are truly cool. Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina should be appointed PNP chief, pronto. The ground commanders and police officers were terrific. This time!

The orderly unfolding of events involving masses of people during the entire duration of the Pope’s visit was truly a sight to behold. It stirred up memories of the orderly, disciplined, concerted and determined conduct of a mass of people in the millions during the 1986 upheaval against the Marcos dictatorship.

Once again, this massive yet peaceful heave of fervor of humanity will impress the international community of the Filipino’s brand of religiosity: intense, even frenzied yet tempered by concern for the safety of the Pope and the participants.

Certainly, this monumental scene of orderly conduct of millions of Filipinos projects to the world the country’s adherence to the tenets and values of progressive modernity: pious yet tolerant, exuberant yet law-abiding, righteous yet democratic and fiercely committed to the rule of law, poor yet hopeful.

As Secretary Roxas put it, “the Philippines is able to project itself as a modern, stable and safe place where rules, particularly for the common good, are firmly observed. These are the same qualities that ‘money’ looks for, such as in Singapore and Hong Kong. The more long-term money, such as factories on foreign direct investments, which is the kind of money that creates quality good-paying jobs and thus more desirable, the more important are these qualities” (Second Front Page, 1/17/15).

—EDWARD B. CONTRERAS,

Pryce Plaza, Cagayan de Oro City