Malay PNP intensifies security as Boracay reopens to international and local tourists’

The Malay Municipal Police Station (Malay, Aklan) has ramped up its security measures to ensure the safety of tourists and the local populace in Boracay after Aklan and several provinces in Western Visayas region were placed under Alert Level 2.

With the direct order from the Philippine National Police chief General Dionardo B. Carlos, the Malay PNP led by PLt.Col Don Dicksie L De Dios, COP and other PNP units operating in its AOR gear up their anti-criminality measures to ensure safety and security of both local and foreign tourists and protect them against perpetrators who will take advantage of the easing protocols.

“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.

PLt.Col De Dios, for his part, assures fulfillment of the task given by the Chief PNP. He also said that he already increased presence of police personnel which aims to thwart criminal threats that are expected to surge as COVID-19 restrictions are now slowly being downgraded.

‘With the Holy Week and the summer season fast approaching and more people engaging again in economic activities, this may encourage criminal elements to prey on their victims.” said PLt.Col De Dios.

On top of the health and safety protocols in place, the provincial government of Aklan issued an Executive Order No. 001-A, Series of 2022 stating that all tourists and travelers 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.

The local government of Malay, Aklan has also reactivated the Incident Command System and the Municipal Management Team for COVID-19 in Boracay to monitor and provide a safe and secure environment for visitors.

Meanwhile, the DOT has recorded a 280.18 percent increase in Boracay tourist arrivals from January to February 2022, compared to the same period last year. From 11,898 in January 2021, visitor arrivals to the island grew to 35,799 in 2022, translating to a 200.88 percent increase. A 488.04 percent increase in tourist arrivals was also observed in the first two weeks of February this year, from 4,539 in 2021 to 26,691 in 2022.