Aklan PNP intensifies Boracay security

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The blessing of Boracay police patrol car at Camp Pastor Martelino with Police Regional Office (PRO-6) Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol, Jr. and Aklan police director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. / PHOTO BY PIO-PRO 6

BORACAY - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to prevent possible terrorist attacks as the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) intensified its security measures in the island of Boracay.

Although there are no specific reports of the presence of terrorists, Aklan police director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. said the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO) already deployed additional security personnel in anticipation of the heavy influx of tourists.

The governments of France, Australia, Britain, New Zealand, Japan and the United States earlier issued travel advisories against the Philippines which advised its nationals to avoid traveling in some parts of the country.

Bragais said K-9 dogs from the Philippine Army secured the Cagban jetty port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc while the Philippine Coast Guard deployed K-9 units in Caticlan jetty port to ensure the safety of passengers.

"The police units also stepped up its intelligence gathering to heighten security for tourists. In the airports, the Aviation Security Group and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also implement stringent security measures for travelers," he stressed.

In line with this, the provincial government also put up x-ray scanners at the Caticlan jetty port for the mandatory security checks of incoming passengers and tourists for Boracay Island.

Last week, Chief Superintendent Cipriano E. Querol, Jr. had his first command visit at Camp Pastor Martelino in New Buswang in the capital town of Kalibo.

The new regional director also officially turned over a brand new patrol car to the Boracay police station as part of the capability enhancement initiative of the local police. Malay town mayor John Yap and BSTPO chief of police Superintendent Rolando Villar received the patrol car last Friday afternoon.

A crisis management seminar spearheaded by PRO-6 and APPO was held in the island of Boracay for local chief executives and the chiefs of police to guide and equip themselves with the skills during emergencies and crisis situations.

Querol has advocated for the implementation of the community-policing system called Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in Western Visayas with the support of the community.