POLICE will create groups of foreign nationals in towns frequented by them as part of efforts to monitor foreigners while they are in Cebu.

Supt. Rodolfo Albotra of Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) said the group will be called Foreign National Keeper Network (FNKN), where a representative will keep a list of and track other aliens who are either visiting or residing in Cebu.

“We want to establish good communication with them. This will also enable us to address their concerns easily,” he said yesterday.

Albotra, head of CPPO’s Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) and Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB), said the program came from Camp Crame.

Communication open

The plan stemmed after last year’s disasters, like in November when super typhoon Yolanda hit Cebu, when foreigners had a hard time contacting their embassies immediately.

Albotra said they have already established FNKN in Moalboal, a popular tourist attraction and where many foreigners are residing.

“They are grateful to have this program,” he said.

Police are planning to setup an FNKN in Bantayan, another tourist spot known for its white sand beaches. They will start by conducting a recruitment seminar.

Albtora said CPPO Director Noel Gillamac has directed all police station chiefs in Cebu Province to approach foreigners living in their respective areas and inform them about FNKN.

“They will become members as long as they can provide requirements that would show they are legal aliens,” he said.

Albotra added that aside from being able to establish good relationship with foreigners, the FNKNs would allow police to check the background of these persons.