Ex-UN peacekeepers tapped for Papal visit

TACLOBAN CITY: Former United Nations peacekeeper and veteran Police Officer Romulo Esteban headed the 1,500-strong contingent sent by the Bicol Police Office to augment the security force tasked to ensure the safety of Pope Francis and the one million visitors expected to arrive here on Saturday.

It was a daunting task since going to Tacloban City from Camp Gen. Simeon Ola in Legazpi City already tested the patience of the Bicol policemen who rode for 14 hours in 32 buses over bumpy and winding roads. They also had to endure the big waves in San Bernardino Strait on board 3 roll-on/roll-off boats. To get to Tacloban, the contingent had to travel 247 kilometers more via the national road.