46 MM cops to be deployed in tourist spots

The 46 police officers from the National Capital Region Police Office who completed a weeklong orientation seminar by the Department of Tourism (DOT) will be deployed in tourist spots in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

The police officers formally joined the ranks of tourist police units after completing a seminar workshop on Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) conducted by the DOT in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis Licup, deputy chief for operations at the PNP Deputy Directorate for Operations, said the 46 police officers will be assigned at assistance centers in areas frequented by foreign and local tourists such as areas in Makati and Manila.

“They will provide assistance to foreigners and can also respond during emergency situations,” Licup said in a phone interview.

Aside in Metro Manila, the lawmen can also deployed during big events in other areas of the country visited by tourists like the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City.

“They can reinforce the local police since these police officers know how to approach tourists,” Licup said.

The TOPCOP project was started in 2010 with the aim of secure tourist destinations by providing police officers with basic knowledge and courtesy in dealing with tourists, including foreigners.

In his message to the new members of tourist police units, Licup urged them to showcase the outstanding qualities of a police officer.

“Let us put our best foot forward and earn the respect that we, uniformed men and women, so deserve,” he said.