Dili, September 1, 2026 (Media Democracia) – PNTL Dili Command prepares almost 1,000 officers to secure and maintain security during the Transfer Ceremony of the Three Lord Bishops, who will be brought from abroad to Timor-Leste. This security measure is to ensure that the transfer process and ceremonies can proceed well, orderly and safely.
The mortal remains of the three bishops are Dom Jaime Garcia Goulart, Bishop Dom Joaquim Ribeiro, and Monsignor Martinho Costa Lopes.
Dili Municipality PNTL Commander, Assistant Police Commissioner Orlando Gomes, said the mortal remains will arrive at Nicolau Lobato International Airport on (01/8) tomorrow. Therefore, PNTL is preparing more than 400 personnel from Dili Municipality, supported by personnel from the Special Unit, General Headquarters, and the Maritime Police Unit to support security in receiving the mortal remains from the Airport, Tasi Tolu, to Manatuto and then back to Dili until the funeral ceremony.
“The Dili Municipality Command has already issued Alert Order 2 because we also have 400-something, plus the Special Police Unit and also the Maritime Unit and General Headquarters. We can say we can deploy around 1,000 personnel like this to secure our security situation.” Orlando Gomes told journalists after leading the general parade for security in receiving the mortal remains of the Three Lord Bishops from abroad to Dili, which was held at the PNTL Caicoli Command this Monday morning.
Orlando said, in this security operation it is not only the police, but will also be supported by F-FDTL. In this arrangement, the Military Police will also support by escorting and securing the mortal remains.
“Because of that our members will be many. Our operational plan will secure from Dili to Manatuto Laleia. We will secure movement on the road or route that we have defined, we will secure it so that when bringing them back again it will also be safe.” he said.
He explained, based on the operational plan assigned to the Dili Municipality PNTL Command and the Dili Municipality Command as the Tactical Command on the ground, therefore today we held a joint parade between Dili Municipality, the Special Police Unit Command and the General Command. We held the parade so that we can start the work starting tonight until tomorrow to receive the mortal remains that are coming.
“Today we briefed the tactical operational plan to all members, to all tactical commanders on the ground, so that they must comply with and take responsibility, especially for the security plan, so that we can ensure security during our visit of the mortal remains coming to Dili until the funeral ceremony.” he affirmed.
Orlando said, in the national operational plan the routes have already been finalized, starting from the Airport, Tasi Tolu, and also movement to places that have been finalized by the Church program.
“According to the plan, the roads that our mortal remains pass through will be closed, and after they pass they will be reopened to normal as usual. So transport movement can go on, but when the mortal remains pass we will close it.” he said.
He said, tonight the mortal remains of Bishop Dom Alberto Ricardo will leave Maloa for Tasi Tolu. But the Tum movement will be there. As Dili Municipality Commander I have already instructed the Traffic Commander to now instruct Tum, at the back of the João Paulo Welcome.
“We must dignify our mortal remains, such as Dom Martinho’s, he is a hero.” he affirmed.
Dili Municipality PNTL Commander, Orlando Gomes, asked PNTL members to provide disciplined security. When providing security they must wear uniforms and put the interest of the state above everything, uphold responsibility and protect citizens’ rights this is what is important, carry out according to the order given by the Command.
Reporting: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo: Estefánia Cardoso