By Aaron Recuenco
More than 600 policemen and support personnel from various government agencies have been subjected to rigid training programs in preparation for the reopening of Boracay on October 26.
Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao
(PNP / MANILA BULLETIN)
Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, director of the Western Visayas regional police, said they also engaged business owners in the world-famous white beach in crafting security measures especially for local and foreign guests who are expected to flock the tourist destination with its reopening.
“We are now on the final stage of security preparations. We are in constant coordination with other government agencies on what to do before, during and after the reopening of Boracay,” said Bulalacao.
He said the security aspect will be handled by the Metro Boracay Task Force headed by Senior Supt. Jesus Cambay, Jr. The policemen will be augmented by personnel from various government agencies.
But Bulalacao said that all those who were tasked to secure the Boracay reopening were subjected to training to ensure readiness—inlcuding simulation exercises on all possible emergency situations.
Among the training programs were First Responders Course, Tourist Oriented Policing for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP), Explosives Ordnance Reconaissance Agent, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Proficiency Training, Personnel/Leadership Development Course, Digital Literacy, Driving Course, Lifeguard Training and Communications Skills Enhancement Workshop.
“Equipage was also improved with the addition of three (7) additional patrol boats under the Regional Maritime Unit, upgrade of the EOD & K9 team, additional patrol vehicles and the upgrade of its communication system,” said Bulalacao.
Boracay Island being the center of tourism and business capital of the municipality of Malay, Aklan generates an average of 30,000 tourist arrivals per day and an income of P56 billion annually.