ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 is prepared for the reopening of the world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan on Oct. 1.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson, said security preparations have been set to welcome local tourists.
On Thursday, the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved the reopening of the popular beach destination next month to tourists from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), including Metro Manila.
According to Malong, more than 400 police personnel were already deployed to the island since last month.
“We have enough men there who were already deployed since the closure of Boracay. Some of them were ordered to go back to their station but others are being held as an augmentation force,” the police official explained.
PRO-6 recently conducted a Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) of security and health safety measures that would be implemented in Boracay.
The SIMEX was spearheaded by Police Colonel Esmeraldo Osia Jr., director of Aklan Police Provincial Office.
Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas top cop, said the move is to ensure synchronized courses of action between the Local Government Units and their respective police forces for the arrival of tourists from various parts of the country.
Among the scenarios tested were active shooting, bomb threat and unruly coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patient who intends to escape from a quarantine facility.
“We are happy that their execution of the scenarios is very satisfactory,” Pamuspusan said.
“We will assure the public of full security coverage in the island. The Local police and support units, who were earlier deployed in all strategic areas, will maintain peace and order and security and ensure that health protocols set by the IATF are being followed by the island goers,” Pamuspusan added./PN
