Police gears up anti-criminality measures on tourist destinations

WITH the onset of the summer season, heavy tourist arrivals are expected in the country’s number one tourist destination, Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.

According to the latest IATF pronouncement, the entire province of Aklan along with, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz, and Negros Occidental were among areas in Western Visayas that were placed under Alert Level 2 effective today February 16 until the end of the month.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Dionardo B Carlos said that while COVID-19 restrictions are now slowly downgrading in most parts of the country, our PNP units especially our Tourists Police Units (TPU) will continue to strictly enforce appropriate standards and safety protocols in accordance with IATF guidelines, existing local executive orders and ordinances issued by local government in their area of responsibility.

Carlos already ordered our local police to gear up their anti-criminality measures to ensure the safety and security of both local and foreign tourists and protect them against perpetrators who will take advantage of the easing protocols.

Executive Order No. 001-A, Series of 2022 issued by the Provincial Government of Aklan stated that all tourists and travelers may now enter the Province of Aklan provided they need to first secure a “Quick Response” or QR Code via online Health Declaration Card (OHDC) through aklan.gov.ph website.

“Ang unti-unting pagdagsa ng mga turista sa Boracay mula sa halos dalawang taon na pansamantalang pagtigil ng operasyon sa buong isla dulot ng pandemya ay isang indikasyon ng muling pagbangon ng ating ekonomiya sa bansa. Ngunit kasabay nito ay kailangan pa rin nating tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng mga pumupunta sa isla hindi lamang sa banta ng pandemya kundi pati na rin sa mga nagbabalak na gumawa ng masama,” Carlos said.

“With the latest issued advisory dated February 1, 2022 where establishments in Boracay Island are allowed by the local government to operate from 5 o’clock in the morning until 1 o’clock of the following morning, we assure the public that our five Boracay Sub-Stations in Malay, Aklan with 306 tourist police are well equipped and always ready to provide 24/7 police response especially in conspicuous places along beachfront, hotels, bar and restaurants,” Chief PNP added.

Carlos also advised the public, especially those who are planning to spend summer vacation on the island to remain vigilant during their stay and strictly follow the safety protocols at all times.

Based on the latest record of the Department of Tourism, Boracay Island logs 35,799 tourist arrivals in the first month of 2022 which is 200.88 percent higher than 11,898 records of the same month last year.