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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 800 motorcycle-riding cops to secure PH tourist spots

800 motorcycle-riding cops to secure PH tourist spots

Published Mar 7, 2026 03:19 pm
At least 800 policemen will be deployed to secure major tourist spots in the country in anticipation of the influx of local and foreign tourists especially during the “summer season”, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said,
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said foreign tourists, on the other hand, will be given calling cards of the police hotlines they arrive in the country as part of the measures to raise awareness on the readiness of the police forces across the country to respond.
He said the 800 tourist police officers will be equipped with motorcycles to allow better mobility in crowded tourist sites and remote scenic areas.
“The initiative aims to increase police visibility in high-traffic tourist areas, deter criminal activity, and ensure faster emergency response while creating a safe and welcoming environment for both visitors and local businesses,” said Remulla.
He said the move is part of the security arrangement with the Department of Tourism and will be launched next month.
The initial rollout sites, the DILG chief said, include Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Poblacion in Makati, Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa.
Apart from strengthening security, the tourist police will also help promote the country’s central emergency hotline to ensure that visitors can quickly reach authorities during emergencies.
“Every tourist that arrives in the Philippines will be given the calling card of 911 so that they would be aware that we have a three-minute response time wherever they are in the country,” said Remulla.
Launched in 2025, the government’s Unified 911 system recorded a 97 percent response efficiency rate for nearly four million calls received nationwide. The system has also handled incidents in several tourist destinations, in line with the directive of President Marcos to prioritize tourism safety.
Remulla said strengthening tourism safety also brings economic benefits, particularly to the country’s middle class.
“When you improve tourism, it’s the middle class that benefits. They contribute the most and they get the very least benefit. We have to strengthen the middle class and make the country better,” he said.
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