Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, Police Regional Office-11 director. (PNA file photo)
DAVAO CITY -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 is set to establish a tourist police unit in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte before yearend.
Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, PRO-11 director, said the installation of the police unit seeks to provide the local and foreign tourists an orderly and safe summer destination.
The unit's creation came after the IGACOS Advisory Council passed a resolution in February 2019 requesting the establishment of the unit to ensure the safety and protection of both tourists and residents within its jurisdiction.
Escobal added that it will be manned by 30 personnel who will coordinate with local police stations in monitoring and investigating all cases involving tourists.
He said the facility will also serve as a tourist information service, adding that as an emerging tourist destination, the police must step up to help the local government cope with the rising number of visitors on the island.
“I think this is very timely because of the increasing volume of visitors coming on the island and also as a preparation for the future projects in the area,” he said.
He noted that based on Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, the Philippine National Police is mandated to establish a "Tourism Security Force to assist in maintaining peace and order within areas of high tourism traffic."
Under the law, he said the Department of Tourism and the Department of the Interior and Local Government are tasked in providing training to PNP members in "cultural sensitivity, languages and relevant laws." (PNA)
