‘SPYING’ IN BORACAY
Regional PNP mulls surveillance cameras on resort island

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

BORACAY – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is going “hi-tech” in securing this island resort from possible terrorist attacks. It plans to install hidden cameras in strategic spots to track down suspected criminals and terrorists.

CCTVs or closed circuit television cameras will be posted at, among others, the Cagban jetty port – the sole entry and exit point in Boracay, said Chief Supt. Geary Barias, regional police director.

The hidden cameras are hoped to guarantee the safety of tourists, Barias said during a recent visit to Aklan.Barias said CCTVs are common in London where, in July 2005, bombs exploded in its subway.

The hidden cameras helped the British police identify and arrest the bombers.At least 52 people died in the worst British subway and transportation system attack.

“If we have those CCTVs in the island and a database identification system, we could allay the fears of tourists – local and foreign – in Boracay,” Barias said.

Presently, some 100 policemen are guarding Boracay. They have the support of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard. Senior Insp. Christopher Prangan, currently heads the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO).

“Even the superpowers – United States and Britain – are not spared by terrorist attacks despite their intelligence and military capability,” Barias said in stressing the need to secure Boracay using the latest technology.

Boracay is a likely target of terrorist, he said, because an attack on it would have international impact.

“We do not want that to happen,” he said.