Over 400 cops beef up security in Boracay

The Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed over 400 policemen to secure the worldfamous Boracay, which reopened Friday.

“From more than 200 organic personnel of Boracay Island, we made it more than 400 to ensure the security of the island,” said PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.

Aside from the more than 400 cops, over 200 augmentation forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were also tasked to keep Boracay free from lawless elements and the visitors safe from harm. All in all, a total of 667 uniformed personnel were deployed to the island.

They are expected to guard an estimated 6,000 visitors every day but the PNP said authorities are well-prepared for any eventualities.

“We conducted a capability demonstration to ensure the public, the community and the tourists, both local and foreign, that they have nothing to worry about and we are ready to secure their properties and lives,” Albayalde noted.

Aside from the increased police visibility, the PNP also beefed up the capabilities of the local police force in Boracay by equipping them with four brand-new police patrol cars.

The PNP also reminded tourists and other visitors to refrain from bringing prohibited items such as bladed and pointed weapons, guns, and prohibited drugs.

“The local community also has its own do’s and don’ts so we will be implementing strictly the environmental ordinances together with other concerned agencies,” Albayalde emphasized.

“What’s good now is that we have a task force in Boracay composed of PNP, AFP, PCG and non-government organizations (NGOs) so we are all involved in maintaining the cleanliness and peace and order here in the island,” he concluded.

Boracay, famous for its white sand beaches, was ordered closed to tourists on April 26, 2018 by President Duterte.

GLIMPSES OF THE NEW BORACAY – Clockwise from top: Locals wade on the beach beside the famous Willy’s Rock; Drum and lyre musicians add a touch of the Ati-atihan festival as they perform along a beach; Soldiers and policemen conduct an anti-terrorism drill as part of the island’s security set-up; A beach starts to fill up as more visitors arrive; A sun worshipper has a strip of beach all to herself. (Photos by Tara Yap, AFP/Noel Celis and EPAEFE/Jun Aguirre)