Tourists are safe in ‘new Boracay’ – PNP

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Police Senior Superintendent Jesus Cambay, Jr. urged tourists to come back and visit “new Boracay Island” when it re-opens on October 26.

PHOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

The island is popular to holidaying Chinese and Koreans. For many, the island in Aklan off Panay Island is well known for its white sandy beaches, which had over 2 million tourists last year. 

The Metro Boracay Police Task Force (MBPTF) commandeer is sending out “Boracay is safe” message to travelers, saying, tourists don’t have to worry much of their security and safety. 

Cambay, also the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) deputy regional director for operations, assured that Boracay and its barangays are still safe to tourists with the support and cooperation of stakeholders. 

“Come to Boracay, you are safe there. The citizens and stakeholders in the island work hand-in-hand to prevent crimes, terrorism and environmental degradation. Barely 45 days to go, you should visit the island before the opening on October 26 especially sa ating kabataan at mga lideres sa barangays,” Cambay said during the National Crime Prevention Week celebration in Kalibo, Aklan on September 3. 

The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) had scheduled Boracay’s dry run on October 16 to October 25 for local tourists. Since April 26, the national government temporarily shut down the island for six-months to give way to its rehabilitation works and clean-up. 

The Department of Tourism (DoT) had released the initial list of 25 certified-compliant hotels and resorts with a total of 2,063 rooms allowed to operate by October 26 partial opening. 

“Boracay before reflects the kind of government we had and you will see a new Boracay today because of political will. If we can do it in Boracay, we can do it everywhere,” Cambay stressed. 

According to Cambay, MBPTF established police community assistance centers in Yapak, Manoc-Manoc and Balabag and deployed policemen in outer and inner control borders to ensure safety of tourists and residents.

 

Prior to Boracay closure, MBPTF envisioned a "highly capable, tourist-oriented and world-class police task force responsive to current and emerging security challenges."