(File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday ordered all police units to put in place anti-crime measures to ensure the safety and security of local and foreign tourists amid the easing of restrictions due to the improving coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation in the country.
“While Covid-19 restrictions are now slowly being downgraded in most parts of the country, our PNP units, especially our Tourist Police Units (TPU), will continue to strictly enforce appropriate safety standards and protocols in accordance to Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) directives, existing local executive orders and ordinances issued by the local government in their area of responsibility,” PNP leader General Dionardo Carlos said in a statement.
It came as tourists are expected to flock to Boracay Island in Aklan, one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
According to the latest statement from the Inter-Agency Task Force, all of Aklan Province as well as Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz and Negros Occidental are under Alert Level 2 from Wednesday through February 28.
Executive Order No. 001-A, Series of 2002 issued by the Aklan Provincial Government stated that all tourists and travelers may now enter the province provided they first obtain a “quick response” or a QR code via an online health declaration card (OHDC) via the aklan.gov.ph website.
“With the latest notice issued as of February 1, 2022, that establishments on Boracay Island are permitted by the local government to operate from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. the following morning, we assure the public that our five Boracay Malay, Aklan substations with 306 tourist police officers are well equipped and always ready to provide 24/7 police response, especially in prominent locations along the waterfront , hotels, bars and restaurants,” added Carlos.
The PNP leader also advised the public, especially those planning to spend a summer vacation in Boracay, to remain vigilant during their stay and strictly follow safety protocols at all times.
Based on the latest data from the Ministry of Tourism, Boracay Island records 35,799 tourist arrivals in the first month of 2022, which is 200.88% more than the 11,898 tourist arrivals in the same month of the year. last. (NAP)
