By AARON RECUENCO
MORE than 600 policemen and support personnel from various government agencies have been subjected to rigid training programs in preparation for the reopening of Boracay on Oct. 26.
Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, director of the Western Visayas regional police said they also are coordinating with business owners in the world-famous white beach regarding the crafting of security measures especially for local and foreign guests who are expected to flock the tourist destination with its reopening.
“We are now on the final stage of security preparations. We are in constant coordination with other government agencies on what to do before, during and after the reopening of Boracay,” said Bulalacao.
Bulalacao said the security aspect will be handled by the Metro Boracay Task Force headed by Senior Supt. Jesus Cambay, Jr.
But Bulalacao said that all those who were tasked to secure the Boracay reopening were subjected to various trainings to ensure readiness – including simulation exercises on all possible emergency situations.
“I assure everyone that we remain on top of the situation and that all efforts are being systematically laid out for a much improved, environmentally compliant and secure paradise island of Boracay,” he added.
Among the training programs were First Responders Course, Tourist Oriented Policing for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP), Explosives Ordnance Reconnaissance Agent, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Proficiency Training, Personnel/Leadership Development Course, Digital Literacy, Driving Course, Lifeguard Training and Communications Skills Enhancement Workshop.
“Equipage was also improved with the addition of three (7) additional patrol boats under the Regional Maritime Unit, upgrade of the EOD & K9 team, additional patrol vehicles and the upgrade of its communication system,” said Bulalacao.
Being the center in terms of tourism and business capital of the Municipality of Malay, Aklan, Boracay Island generates an average of 30,000 tourist arrivals per day and an income of R56 billion annually.
President Duterte earlier ordered the closure of Boracay for rehabilitation after branding the tourist destination as a cesspool. Various government agencies then collaborated to clean and rehabilitate the world-famous tourist destination.
