ALL SET FOR OCTOBER 26. Boracay Island is ready for its reopening on October 26. More than 500 policemen are deployed to secure the island, said Senior Supt. Jesus Cambay Jr., commander of the Metro Boracay Police Task Force, on Wednesday (October 24, 2018). (Photo by Karen Bermejo)
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan -- More than 500 policemen are now deployed in Boracay to prepare for the expected influx of tourists when it reopens on October 26.
Senior Supt. Jesus Cambay Jr., commander of the Metro Boracay Police Task Force (MBPTF), said Wednesday their goal is to ensure that no major incident will happen on the island and to reduce crime incident.
In preparation for the reopening, a capability demonstration exercise is also set on Thursday, Cambay said.
All security cluster including the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection and other volunteer groups on the island are expected to join the capability demonstration, which will be conducted at the White Beach.
This is to showcase the response capability of the security groups in the island in addressing contingencies, added Cambay.
With the reopening, Cambay said they will strengthen anti-criminality campaigns on the island. "With the influx of tourists, the increase of crime is likewise expected,” he said.
One important measure to ensure rigid law enforcement and security operations in Boracay is the restructuring of the Malay Police Station. With the restructuring, the town’s police station has been transferred to Boracay.
The task force has also established five sub-stations within the island.
Cambay said a comprehensive anti-criminality and joint anti-terrorist plan has already been laid out for the island resort.
Aside from the security groups, Cambay said the task force will also mobilize community volunteers to help in ensuring the safety, security and protection of the environment. (PNA)
