“Mercy and Compassion”, manifested among the crowd or not?

With so many preparations for Pope Francis’ visit, roads closed and millions of Filipinos crowding the areas that he will go to, would you still dare to become part of the event? How far will you go to get a glimpse of his Holiness, Pope Francis?

Among the 5 days that Pope Francis stayed in the Philippines, January 18 was allotted for visiting the Pontifical and Royal Catholic University of Santo Tomas. For that specific day, the campus was open, not only to the Thomasian community but to the general public as well. Days of preparation were given in those days, clear and particular rules were done in order to maintain organization and safety within the vicinity.

Since the campus will be open to the public, designation of gates and entrances were done. There were separate entrances provided for the Thomasian community and the general public.   In order to control the crowd, gates were said to be opened at 4am and closed at 6am.

The regulations were disseminated through the media, but despite the announcements, the guidelines given weren’t followed by many. The gates didn’t open at 4am, for there were no lines for each entrance, especially in the gates designated for the Thomasian community. People were practically crowding in front of each entrance and the authorities assigned to enforce order weren’t doing anything to fix the lines for the gates. Before they thought of doing so, the crowd was already big and impossible to fix into a line.  The authorities tried to announce guidelines to the people but the crowd failed to hear the announcement because the policemen didn’t bother using a megaphone.  Along gate 14, people were rioting about how the authorities won’t let them in. It took until ten minutes before 6am for them to get inside and they had to do it by force. The crowd decided to push through in order to open the gates. The scenario was very chaotic that if things have gotten worse, a stampede could have occured. According to netizens, the situation in gate 3 was same as that of gate 14.

Crowd in front of Gate 14 (Lacson Gate)

Violation of the rules has also been done. Among the crowd, people using monopods and umbrellas were seen. Barricades have also been broken upon the exit of the Pope through Espanya gate. Despite having been prohibited to go beyond the barrier, people still entered and police who were supposed to stop them didn’t seem to know what to do, given the situation.

Person among the crowd using an umbrella

Crowd going past the barricade

Authorities unable to control the crowd

      Though many felt that the chaos they went through was worth seeing the Pope, many were disappointed with the lack of order that occurred in such a sacred event. Despite experiencing the joy of being part of the event, they demand a solution to the lack of order that occurred and they are hoping that authorities will improve their system in maintaining order within the premises, that way the event will be more enjoyable and solemn for everyone