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APPO PEMS Pontoy Leads Human Rights Lecture for Tourists Police
Boracay Island- Police Executive Master Sergeant Michael Pontoy of the Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO)led the lecture on human rights spearheaded by the Department of Tourism-Western Visayas in this resort island.
From August 10 to 13, 2024, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 conducted the third batch of its 3-day Integrated Tourist Safety and Security Seminar for the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) Training at the Hue Hotel on Boracay Island. This essential training was designed to bolster security measures and ensure the safety of tourists visiting this world-renowned destination.
Around 50 tourists police joined the training.
The event also featured several key figures, including PCOL Joriz A. Cantoria, Deputy Regional Director for Operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 6, and PCPT Jesus B. Cambay III, Chief of Police at Malay Municipal Police Station (MPS). Also in attendance were Municipal Mayor Hon. Floribal S. Bautista and Mr. Esel L. Flores, Provincial Government Assistant Department Head of Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal.
Throughout the training, the focus was on the importance of understanding and addressing the security needs of tourists, which is vital to maintaining peace and order on Boracay Island.
“We heavily rely on tourism, which is why TOPCOP training is crucial in preventing uncertainties. We must be proactive rather than reactive, prioritizing the welfare of our tourists. Our goal is for Boracay to have zero reported casualties,” emphasized Mayor Bautista.
The comprehensive training covered a wide range of topics pertinent to tourist policing, including the Role and Mission of the Tourist Police, Tourist Behavior Patterns, Market Profiles, Local Tourist Products and Services, Gender and Development in Tourism, Child Safe Tourism, an Overview of the Incident Command System, Human Rights, and other critical areas essential to the role of tourist police.
PCOL Cantoria highlighted, “As stipulated in the Tourism Act of 2009, the National Police (PNP) shall establish a Tourism Security Force to assist in maintaining peace and order within areas of high tourism traffic. This commitment is a clear indication of our dedication to supporting the tourism industry in Western Visayas.”
Boracay Island, as one of the country’s major tourist destinations, must continue to be a symbol of safety and hospitality. By investing in the training and development of its tourist-oriented police force, the island upholds its reputation as a premier global destination, ensuring the utmost safety and enjoyment for all visitors.
This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts of local authorities and stakeholders to maintain the high standards of security and service for which Boracay Island is renowned, ensuring it remains a secure and attractive destination for tourists worldwide. In addition to rigorous training sessions, participants engaged in interactive workshops and simulation exercises, providing practical experience in handling real-life scenarios. These activities enabled officers to apply the concepts learned, ensuring they are well-prepared to manage any potential security challenges on the island.
DOT Region 6, in collaboration with local government units and private stakeholders, remains committed to sustaining this initiative by regularly conducting follow-up training sessions and evaluations. This continuous effort will ensure that Boracay’s tourist police remain at the forefront of tourism security, adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the tourism industry.
By strengthening the capabilities of the tourist police force through programs like TOPCOP, Boracay Island’s local government reaffirms its dedication to preserving the island’s status as a world-class destination. This collaborative effort serves as a model for other tourist-heavy regions, demonstrating the importance of proactive security measures in fostering a thriving and sustainable tourism industry.
In the coming months, further enhancements to Boracay’s tourism infrastructure and security protocols are anticipated, ensuring that the island remains not only a beautiful destination but also a safe haven for all who visit.
