Boracay PNP ready for Lenten break
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL / Panay News

BORACAY - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will heighten its visibility in the island of Boracay this coming Lenten break.
Superintendent Arnold Ardiente said the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO) will be deploying more uniformed personnel in all entry points to ensure the safety of tourists in Boracay Island .
To beef up the security, the Philippine Army's K9 units with trained dogs will be fielded in public places, especially in the one entry one exit ports.
"The initial plan is for other police stations in Aklan to send at least three PNP personnel to perform duty at BSTPO on rotation basis. We will also distribute leaflets containing basic tips and hotlines of BSTPO," Ardiente said.
A total of 88 PNP personnel, including 20 field-training cops are presently assigned in Boracay Island as hordes of foreign and local tourists usually spend their Holy Week in this island paradise.
Ardiente said Cagban and Caticlan jetty ports will be tightly watched for suspicious-looking individuals and security forces will also be conducting round-the-clock visibility patrols in crowded areas.
The Philippine Coast Guard stationed in Caticlan is also on extra alert for travelers and visitors coming from nearby provinces via roll-on roll off buses and vessels.
According to Department of Tourism (DoT), most Europeans and Koreans still prefer Boracay to other beach destinations in the country because of its pristine waters, white sand beaches and world-class accommodations.