UCA News
Contribute

Philippine traffic officers to wear nappies for papal visit

Adult diapers to ensure police remain vigilant during the long hours overseeing huge crowds
Philippine traffic officers to wear nappies for papal visit

Traffic enforcers of the Metro Manila Development Authority display adult diapers that they were issued to ensure they can stay at their posts when Pope Francis visits the Philippines between January 15-19 (AFP Photo/Jay Directo)

Published: January 09, 2015 03:57 AM GMT
Updated: April 22, 2015 01:39 AM GMT

Philippine traffic officers and crowd control personnel are to wear adult diapers on the job during next week's visit of Pope Francis, when they will spend long hours marshaling crowds expected to run into the millions, authorities said Thursday.

The nappies will ensure that about a thousand of the personnel can stay at their posts without diverting for the call of nature during the papal tour, said Metro Manila Development Authority official Emerson Carlos.

He said the diapers will get a trial run during the procession of the Black Nazarene, an annual parade of a wooden image of Jesus Christ which will also draw enormous crowds in the capital on Friday.

"We will be giving them these diapers because we don't know when the crowds may rush in," said Carlos, the agency's deputy general manager for operations.

The government expects millions from Asia's biggest Catholic population to turn out for the much-admired pope, especially for an early evening mass in Manila on January 18.

The diaper plan has attracted some ridicule in Philippine media, but Carlos was undaunted.

"It just requires a shift in outlook if it is really necessary," he said, adding "there have been no complaints" from the traffic constables themselves.

National police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the 25,000 regular police officers on papal security detail would not be following the lead of the Metro Manila Authority.

"We are trained for these situations and as of now, we have not considered (diapers)," he said. AFP

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia