BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan — A simulation exercise of drowning incident, kidnapping scenario, bomb attack, hostage-taking, fire, and search and rescue operation was held at the White Beach of this world-famed island on Thursday, a day before its reopening.
The capability demonstration exercise is part of ensuring that security forces in Boracay uphold the highest standard, said Director General Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Along with the rebirth of Boracay, we are proud to showcase a completely overhauled security system and peace and order program that will address the perennial issues and concerns that we have experienced during the previous tourism operations prior to Boracay closure,” Albayalde said during a media interview before the demonstration began.
With the anticipated heavy influx of tourists during its reopening on Friday, Albayalde said the restructuring of the Malay Police Station (MPS), wherein its main based was transferred to Boracay, will strengthen the island’s security.
With the restructuring, five police substations were also established to ensure the safety of island residents and tourists.
From 200 regular police personnel, Albayalde said more than 400 policemen will be stationed in Boracay.
Two brand-new vehicles will also be turned over to the Boracay police.
The more than one-hour capability demonstration exercise was joined by members of the Metro Boracay Task Force (MBTF) including the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Bureau of Fire Protection, Malay Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as well as other rescue and volunteer groups on the island.
Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, director of Police Regional Office-Western Visayas, said they aim for zero major incidents during the island’s reopening after six months of closure.
“With the reopening of the island, we will be expecting more human activities. Therefore, the increase of crime incidence is expected,” he said.
As a tourist area, the task force is also preparing for possible incidents involving terrorism in Boracay.
Albayalde said the PNP will also help enforce environmental laws on the island. The PNP will work closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in strictly implementing environmental laws as well as local ordinances including the anti-littering law.
The PNP has also tapped the community to help ensure safety and environment protection.
The activity dubbed as KaligKasan, coined from Kaligtasan (security) and Kalikasan (environment) will train community volunteers as eco-warriors. It will be launched during the island’s reopening. (Karen Bermejo/PNA)
