The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now preparing for the expected influx of local and foreign visitors to Boracay after Aklan and several provinces in Western Visayas region were placed under Alert Level 2.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said he had already ordered the regional police force, headed by Police Regional Office 6 director Brig. Gen. Flynn Dongbo to prepare not only for the strict implementation of health safety protocols but also anti-criminality measures to ensure safety and security of both local and foreign tourists.
“With the latest issued advisory dated February 1, 2022 where establishments in Boracay Island are allowed by the local government to operate from 5 o’clock in the morning until 1 o’clock of the following morning, we assure the public that our five Boracay Sub-Stations in Malay, Aklan with 306 tourist police are well equipped and always ready to provide 24/7 police response especially in conspicuous places along beach front, hotels, bar and restaurants," said Carlos.
Dongbo, for his part, said the easing of restrictions in Boracay is expected to encourage local and foreign tourists to visit since it would cover the dry season in the country.
"With the onset of the summer season, heavy tourist arrivals are expected in the country’s number one tourist destination," said Dongbo.
Based on the decision of the Inter-Agency task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID), the entire province of Aklan where Boracay Island is located, along with, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz and Negros Occidental were among areas in the Western Visayas that were placed under Alert Level 2 effective today February 16 until end of the month.
Carlos said that while COVID-19 restrictions are now slowly downgrading in most parts of the country, police units, especially the Tourists Police Units (TPU), will continue to strictly enforce appropriate standards and safety protocols in accordance with IATF guidelines, existing local executive orders and ordinances issued by local government in their area of responsibility.
ON the other hand, Executive Order No. 001-A, Series of 2022 issued by Provincial Government of Aklan stated that all tourists and travellers may now enter the Province of Aklan provided they need to first secure a “Quick Response” or QR Code via online Health Declaration Card (OHDC) through aklan.gov.ph website.
Carlos also advised the public especially those who are planning to spend summer vacation in the island to remain vigilant during their stay and strictly follow the safety protocols at all times.
Based on the latest record of Department of Tourism, Boracay Island logs 35,799 tourist arrivals in the first month of 2022 which is 200.88 percent higher from 11,898 records of same month last year.