MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command (Centcom) based in Cebu City said famed Boracay Island’s security situation on the first official day of its closure to tourism activities Thursday (April 26) was “generally peaceful”.
Centcom commander Lt. Gen. Paul Atal said there is no need to deploy additional military forces to Boracay as there are enough security forces in the resort island.
“The role of Centcom forces is to support the PNP (Philippine National Police) in its law enforcement function and keeping the peace and order in the island (especially) in implementing the guidelines of the closure,” Atal said.
“The PNP has the lead role in the overall security responsibility in Boracay during its closure supported by the AFP. There is no need to deploy (additional) AFP forces in the island since there is enough boots on the ground. However, CENTCOM can easily shift forces in Boracay as the need arises or if the threat is imminent,” he added.
Law enforcers, particularly the PNP and AFP, were directed to ensure strict implementation of the closure and to maintain peace and order.
The local government of Malay was likewise directed to ensure that no tourist enters the island, while residents and establishment owners were urged “to act within the bounds of the law and comply with the directives.”
The island of Boracay has been temporarily closed for six months to make way for its rehabilitation. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
