Thousands of troops and police in the Philippines are on high alert for the this week's visit from Pope Francis, his first to the country. As many as 37,000 security personnel are involved in the Manila area and the island of Leyte, where the pope will make two stops. The pontiff arrives in Manila on Thursday from Sri Lanka and departs on Monday, Jan. 19. The pope is expected to speak about respect between Christians and Muslims during his visit, which will include appearances in areas devastated by a recent typhoon.
Philippine officials say they have received no specific "credible" intelligence on possible terrorist plots against the pope during his visit to the Philippines but are not complacent, especially after recent events in Paris.
A spokesman for the Maoist New People's Army said "since most of our fighters are Catholics,
They're fanatics, but not about their religion.
it was just fitting to pay respect during Pope Francis' visit in the country by extending the ceasefire [begun at Christmas]. We are extending the ceasefire (period) until after the visit of Pope Francis."