Lent observance in Aklan generally peaceful - PNP
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Maximum deployment of Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO) personnel is implemented to ensure the public safety and security in the island of Boracay / PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) said the observance of the weeklong Semana Santa in the province has been generally peaceful.

Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. stressed the conduct of security plans in Aklan, especially in tourist destination of Boracay Island, was implemented to secure the travelers, devotees and visitors.

Except for a shooting incident involving Antonio Quezon, a native of Batangas and temporarily residing at Ureta Road in Barangay Andagao, this town, the arrest of six Salisi gang members and violations of Republic Act No. 9165 in the island of Boracay, the overall situation was generally peaceful, the Aklan police provincial director said.

Bragais said the shooting took place at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. The suspects, riding tandem at motorcycle, fired at Quezon with 9mm pistol. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

Two civilians were also arrested by the Kalibo and Balete local police for violating the nationwide gun ban on April 1. Niño Cuatriz, 22, of Barangay Morales, Balete, Aklan and Rosano Timban, 33, of Barangay Dumatad, Tangalan, Aklan, who was apprehended in Sto. Village, Barangay Poblacion, this town, are facing charges for violations of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 8714.

Six members of Salisi gang were nabbed by the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO) intelligence operatives on March 31 involved in theft incidents. The suspects victimized tourists staying in the island of Boracay of their cellphones, digital cameras and bags.

Bragais said the APPO deployed police personnel for beat patrols and established police assistance centers to ensure the safety of thousands of tourists in the island. The Philippine Coast Guard, K-9 units of the Philippine Army and force multipliers also assisted them in maintaining security in Caticlan airport, Cagban and Caticlan jetty ports.

The PNP has also beefed up the security in bus terminals, malls, sea ports and along the main highways to extend assistance for travelers during the traditional Holy Week holiday.