THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has increased the number of policemen deployed to Boracay Island to ensure strict implementation of the rules and regulations there as it officially reopened on Friday, October 26.
PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said from at least 200 police personnel deployed to Boracay, the PNP provided over 400 more security personnel to ensure the peace and order, as well as the safety and security of the locals and tourists.
“As of this time, we have a total of 667 uniformed personnel (in Boracay). Meron tayong augmentation coming from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for a total of 170 and as I have said earlier, nagbigay tayo ng apat na brand new patrol vehicles dito lang sa Boracay Island yun,” he said.
Albayalde said a task force composed of concerned government agencies, including the PNP, AFP, Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and non-government organizations, were also formed to ensure the maintenance of cleanliness and peace and order in the island.
He said the PNP “is very much prepared” for the re-opening of Boracay.
“Ready na tayo that's why yesterday (October 25), we conducted a simulation exercise. Meron tayong capability demonstration to ensure the public and tourists both local and foreign na maging kampante sila, that we are ready to secure their properties and lives not only the tourists but the whole community of Boracay,” Albayalde said.
During the capability demonstration exercise conducted on Thursday, October 25, in Boracay, authorities showcased their skills in responding promptly and effectively to any contingencies, such as hostage taking incidents, bomb threats, sea rescue and any other crime incidents.
Albayalde expressed confidence that the government had placed well-trained and equipped forces that will keep the island resort safe and protected, as they are expecting the influx of both local and foreign tourists during its re-opening.
He said among the issues they will focus on is the possible proliferation of illegal drugs.
“We will not allow illegal drugs to proliferate in the island even as we will muster all effort to sustain the downtrend in crime here and across the nation,” he said.
“Police presence will remain high while police community assistance centers will be on hand to render police service to both tourists and residence,” he added.
Boracay, one of the Philippines’ top destinations, was closed in April to give way to its rehabilitation following the discovery of various environmental and zoning problems there. (SunStar Philippines)