Boracay exodus - Holy Week security tightens, ports under tight watch

 BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Caticlan port administrator Niven Maquirang is closely monitoring and coordinating with the government multi-agencies during Holy Week observance of tourists and visitors to Boracay Island.

Maquirang said the Caticlan and Cagban ports are ready for the surge of passengers and tourists to the resort-island. He is expecting 70,000 vacationers and passengers this coming Holy Week in Boracay. 

Security in Caticlan and Cagban ports has been very tight to ensure the safety of thousands of travelers. Public assistance centers manned with medical personnel were also put up in preparation for the Holy Week. 

“Naka set up na tayo and coordinated with Philippine National Police, Maritime command, Philippine Coast Guard, tourism office, medical team from the Philippine National Red Cross and the municipal hospital for the Semana Santa,” he said. 

Coast guard patrols will also monitor vessels and motorized boats for safe travel to the island provinces of Mindoro and Romblon. 

Security will be posted round the clock and passenger help desks will be ready to assist the passengers in anticipation of the increased volume of travelers in the port area.

Port authorities are reminding the passengers to be wary of their belongings as thousands make their way to Boracay Island or to Mindoro Island and to their home provinces in the Visayas and back.

Malay PNP also deployed additional policemen in major roads leading to Caticlan airport and port for maximum police visibility and safety of the public.