PNTL deploys 1,000 officers to secure arrival and funeral of three Catholic prelates
DÍLI, 31 AugUST 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste’s National Police (PNTL) has deployed about 1,000 officers to secure the arrival of the remains of three Catholic prelates in Dili and the funeral ceremonies that will follow.
Dili PNTL commander Orlando Gomes announced the deployment after overseeing a joint parade involving the Special Police Unit (UEP) and the PNTL General Command as part of preparations for the security operation.
The operation will also involve personnel from the UEP and Maritime Police Unit, while the Military Police will provide additional support to escort and protect the remains along the procession route.
Gomes said security would cover the route from Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport through Tasi Tolu to Laleia in Manatuto, as well as the return journey to Dili and the subsequent funeral ceremonies.
Some roads will be temporarily closed as the funeral procession passes, he said.
The remains of Bishop Dom Alberto Ricardo are also scheduled to leave Maloa this afternoon for Tasi Tolu, Gomes said.
Following an official reception at the airport, the government’s organising committee and the Timor-Leste Episcopal Conference (CET) will sign a formal handover document before the remains are taken to Tasi Tolu.
A memorial ceremony will be held in Manatuto on September 3 to honour Monsignor Martinho da Costa Lopes.
His remains will be transferred from the administrative post of Laleia to Manatuto, with the procession scheduled to stop near Manatuto Bridge.
During the ceremony, the government resolution honouring the late prelate will be read, followed by an address from President José Ramos-Horta.
A commemorative plaque will then be unveiled, formally naming the bridge the Monsignor Martinho da Costa Lopes Bridge.
The bridge will be blessed by Dili Metropolitan Archbishop and CET president Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva.
The closing ceremony is scheduled for September 10 at Tasi Tolu, where Cardinal Dom Virgílio will preside over a Mass.
Representatives of the CET and President Ramos-Horta are expected to deliver addresses following the religious service.
After the final blessing at Tasi Tolu, the remains of the prelates will be buried at Dili Cathedral.
The programme will conclude with a visit to the Monument and Memorial Garden within the cathedral grounds.
Journalist: Natalino Costa
Editor: Evaristo Soares Martins
Translation: Filomeno Martins
