THE establishment of another five-star resort hotel in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) calls for ensured and guaranteed security in the area to assure the safety of the island's guests and tourists.

In an interview with the media during the launching and official opening of Discovery Samal, Igacos Mayor Al David Uy guaranteed that the city has "long been prepared" in terms of securing its guests. The mayor is among the VIPs during the event.

Uy said among the island's security boosters is the possible establishment of a naval base on the island.

"In fact, siguro by next year the Philippine Navy nandito na (possibly by next year the Philippine Navy will be here). They will be putting up Naval Base here at the back of Tagpopongan area, gihatagan sila'g budget ni [former] PRRD [President Rodrigo Roa Duterte] (they were given budget by PRRD)," Uy revealed.

He also said that in terms of security, the city "has invested a lot".

"Daghang security forces nisulod sa Samal, naa nay (A lot of security forces came in here in Samal, there's is the) Task Force Samal, the regular PNP [Philippine National Police], we also have the Tourist Police (established) during the time of Gen. Escobal when he was our RD (Police Regional Office-Davao Regional Director Filmore Escobal), karon naa na ang (this time we also have) Coast Guard, Maritime, CIDG is here na rin (as well)," Uy said.

With this, he hopes that tourists and guests will not be apprehensive and worry about their security.

"Hopefully katong nahitabo before di na mahitabo karon kay daghan nang nagabantay ron, (what happened before will not happen this time because we have a lot of security forces guarding the island now), the mayor said referring to the abduction of three foreigners and a Filipina in one of the five-star resorts in the island sometime in the year 2015.

Discovery Samal is the newest five-star resort hotel to open on the island. It boasts of 128 hotel suites, 15 executive suites, and a Grand Signature Suite. (CEA)