COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has forged an agreement with the regional police office to enhance security for tourists and tourist spots in the region.
This came about as several areas in the country, including the National Capital Region, were recently placed under the less stringent Alert Level 2 status due to the decline in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.
On Thursday, officials of the region’s Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) and the Police Regional Office (PRO) - BARMM inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program.
MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik said the TOPCOP will also ensure the proper handling of tourist-related security and safety measures.
The TOPCOP is a national program of the Philippine National Police in partnership with the Department of Tourism that aims to provide a safe and secure environment for tourists and ensure the availability of tourist police in tourist destinations nationwide.
A collaboration between BARMM law enforcers and the region’s tourism industry to ensure the safety of tourists has been existing in the region for quite some time now, Taddik said.
He said the MOU will further intensify collaboration and coordination with law enforcers in securing tourists and bringing peace to the region.
“We need to work hand in hand to create a new impression to our place to entice more tourists both local and foreign,” Taddik said.
Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, BARMM police regional director, assured the public that his office will provide ample security in all tourist-related activities in the region where both local and foreign tourists converge.
“The PRO-BARMM acknowledges the potential of BARMM being home to a diverse and colorful culture that has flourished and preserved for hundreds of years,” he said.
Four BARMM areas – Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and the cities of Cotabato and Marawi – have been placed under the Alert Level 3 classification from Feb. 1 to 15, 2022.
Other BARMM areas include the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi; and the 63 villages in North Cotabato, (PNA)
