Latestagrams: Signals jammed along Pope's motorcade route

MANILA, Philippines - Mobile signals were jammed where the motorcade of Pope Francis pass en route to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila from the military's Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Network signals of the well-wishers' cellphones were lost 30 minutes before the papal convoy reached an area and about 30 minutes after the motorcade passed by.

Those lucky enough to take clear cellphone shots of the Roman Pontiff on the Popemobile had to wait before posting their photos on Instagram.

Maj. Xavier Celestial, chief of the Presidential Security Group unit tasked to secure the pope around the residence, confirmed that the measure was implemented to prevent attempts to detonate explosives.

"Para yun sa maiwasan ang paggamit ng cellphone," he said. "Kahit kami hindi makagamit, radyo lang."

Celestial said that the crowd, albeit big and energetic, was friendly and cooperative. No one seemed to complain about not being able to send text messages or dial calls.

"Wala namang problema. Napaghandaan naman lahat," he said.