THE Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MTIT-Barmm) and Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance the security of the region’s tourism industry.
The MOU, which was signed Tuesday, February 1, 2022, seeks the implementation of the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TopCop) program to secure tourists and tourist sites.
MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik said the TopCop program will also ensure the special and proper handling of tourist-related security and safety issues aside from enhancing security.
TopCop is a national program of the Philippine National Police in partnership with the Department of Tourism, which aims to strengthen both agencies’ relationship in providing safe and secure environment for tourists, and ensuring the availability of tourist police in tourist destinations nationwide, including in Barmm.
Taddik said the MOU will further intensify already existing collaboration and coordination with law enforcers in securing tourists and bringing peace in Barmm.
“We need to work hand in hand to create a new impression to our place to entice tourists both local and foreign,” Taddik added.
Police Brigadier General Eden Ugale, PRO-BAR director, said they acknowledged the potential of Barmm being home to a diverse and colorful culture that has flourished and preserved for hundreds of years.
“Through this synergy of initiatives and efforts, we will send a strong message that we are serious about thoroughly creating our region as a safe destination for everyone,” Ugale added. (SunStar Zamboanga)