As the country anticipates more leisure travels this summer, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Wednesday, March 30, that it has partnered with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to strengthen the security of tourists attraction nationwide.
Tourism Development Planning Undersecretary Woodrow C. Maquiling, Jr. said the move is to ensure safety and security of both local and foreign tourists, especially against the use and proliferation of illegal drugs in tourist spots.
Maquiling said the MOA was signed with PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva and PNP Chief Dionardo B. Carlos.
"We welcome this latest collaboration with our country's police force and drug enforcement agency to provide greater deterrence and protection against the illicit trafficking of dangerous drugs in tourist destinations," Maquiling said on behalf of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.
Under the agreement, the agencies will implement the Tourism Operation Protection Against Illegal Drugs (TOP-AID) and the Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP), which maintains peace and order in areas with high tourism traffic.
The agency added that the collaboration would intensify travelers' protection, safety, and security in DOT-identified tourist attractions.
Based on the agreement, the DOT will also train personnel from all agencies about tourism awareness and the signature Filipino brand of service and hospitality.