PNP Boracay to vacationers: Be safe

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

 

Boracay police has reminded the vacationers to remain cautious of their safety. The authorities are under heightened alert to ensure the safety of the large number of tourists during the long holiday break in Boracay Island.

Last week, security and safety measures have been in place by government agencies, police, fire bureau, Philippine National Red Cross, Coast Guard and resort owners to address the influx of tourists. 

For the Holy week preparations, tourist assistance desks were put up in strategic areas flocked by tourists in Boracay while other policemen were deployed for foot patrols. 

The tourism department said the estimated tourist arrivals in Boracay could reach 5,000 daily. It could swell to 35,000 in the traditional Holy Week exodus to Boracay Island.

Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) police chief Senior Inspector Mark Evan Salvo also briefed Police regional director Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan for an efficient coordination of all security-related activities in the island.

“Ang panawagan ko sa mga bakasyunita at residente ng isla na maging maingat tayo lalo na sa mga gamit. Ang common crime natin dito ay theft. Ingatan ang gamit at huwag pabayaan. Hinihingi namin ang kooperasyon at magtulong-tulong tayo para mapanatili natin ang katahimikan at kaayusan during the Holy Week,” said Salvo.

Police on Friday noon nabbed two women snatchers who allegedly grabbed the bag of a tourist from Manila.  

Police Officer 3 Christopher Mendoza, BTAC police community relations officer, said the suspects were from Mandurriao District, Iloilo City. They are currently detained at the lock-up cell of Boracay police station. 

“The incident happened in D’Mall. Na identified pa gid sila sang isa ka biktima nila kagab-i sa isa ka sari sari store kay may closed circuit television (CCTV),” Mendoza said. 

The third suspect remains at large, he added.