Police on red alert to secure beaches

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Kalibo police station will go on red alert to ensure the safety of beachgoers during the celebration of the feast of Saint John the Baptist.

Police Chief Inspector Pedro Enriquez said police personnel and barangay tanods will be deployed in beaches of the town of Kalibo. 

“Lahat ng mga beaches kung saan nag-cecelebrate ng San Juan ang mga tao ay mayroong assistance centers,” he said.

Under 'red alert' status, all vacation leaves are cancelled and all police personnel are required to report to their duty at Kalibo police station. Red alert status went into effect on Monday until the following day.

  

Every June 24, thousands of beachgoers will troop around local beaches to celebrate and participate in the feast of San Juan de Bautista, the patron saint of Kalibo, Aklan. 

Two police personnel will keep tight watch in the assistance centers stationed on the popular beaches of Barangay New Buswang, Caano, Mabilo and Pook.  Roving and augmentation teams will also monitor and increase police presence in the areas. 

Police checkpoints for motorists will be set up on strategic points to reduce concerns on drunken drivers.  

Enriquez said alert teams in Kalibo police station are on standby and personnel from Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council and rescue teams are on the lookout for accidents and emergency medical assistance to beachgoers.

Across the province of Aklan, authorities have warned beachgoers, especially children, to stay alert and safe at all public beach areas in light of recent drowning accidents in Tangalan, Numancia and Boracay Island.