BORACAY – The presence of 610 police personnel in Boracay is just a part of the target hardening measures for the speedy recovery of this famed island resort and does not connote police rule, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) stressed.
Senior Superintendent Jesus Cambay Jr., PRO-6 deputy director for operations, said the security plan that they are implementing is only for the safety of the island’s residents and workers.
“We are equipped and capable to defend Boracay. We have enough force in the island to make them safe sa kanilang mga bahay at upang mapabilis ang rehabilitation program ng gobyerno,” said Cambay. “Para tumaas din ang confidence level ng mga kababayan sa security dahil sa presence ng kapulisan. [T]he police, the military and other agencies are here to protect you.”
The Metro Boracay Task Force, the Philippine Coast Guard and force multipliers are assigned to secure the island while other police personnel were deployed to man checkpoints in the outer borders in mainland Malay.
Civil Disturbance Management contingents from PRO-6, who are in standby, were also tasked to counter possible protests.
“Kami ay alerto. Positive ang reception ng mga tao dito sa atin dahil police presence ang doctrine na ating pinapatupad sa isla,” Cambay stressed.
As of April 14, there are no specific guidelines yet on the implementation of the six-month closure of Boracay, added Cambay.
“Definitely, whatever the guidelines, the Philippine National Police has the legal mandate…We will serve you by implementing the laws applicable to hasten Boracay’s rehabilitation,” he said.
The PRO-6 deputy director added that “isa lang ang objective natin – ang peaceful, orderly, smooth, at fast rehabilitation and environmental recovery ng Boracay. Peace and order are a shared responsibility for stakeholders and the police.” (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
