Aklan achieves safest province status in WV, anchoring tourism growth ahead of 2026 major festivals

By: John Dela Cruz

KALIBO, AKLAN – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 6 has released official crime statistics, identifying Aklan as the province with the lowest crime incidence in Western Visayas for the third quarter of 2025. This quantitative achievement forms the bedrock of a strategic push to strengthen Aklan’s reputation as a premier, safe, and welcoming tourism destination in the Philippines.

According to the PNP Regional Office 6 report, Aklan recorded a crime incidence rate of 16.6% for the period. This figure represents a significant year-on-year improvement, down from 18.74% in the third quarter of 2024. More notably, it stands less than half of the overall regional average of 33.01%, firmly placing Aklan at the top of the region’s safety rankings.

This downward trend is not an isolated event but the result of a coordinated, multi-faceted security strategy implemented over the past year. Law enforcement analysts point to several key initiatives: a sustained increase in police visibility and mobile patrols in tourism arrival points, business districts, and public spaces; the implementation of intelligence-driven, anti-criminality campaigns; and enhanced collaboration between police precincts and barangay public safety officers to address community-level concerns proactively.

Tourism Impact: Security as a Foundation for Growth

For Aklan, whose economy is significantly driven by hospitality and travel, this safety milestone carries substantial weight. The province’s tourism appeal is dual-faceted, combining a perennial international hotspot with a rich, cyclical cultural calendar.

· Boracay Island: As a year-round, world-class destination, Boracay’s global brand relies on consistent visitor confidence. The improved security climate directly addresses a primary concern for international travelers and tour operators, reinforcing the island’s image as a secure paradise.

· The 2026 Ati-Atihan Festival Season: The province is the heartland of the iconic Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festivals. While the grand celebration in Kalibo draws global attention each January, the cultural tradition radiates outward to the towns of Altavas, Malinao, Makato, and Ibajay, which host their own unique and authentic versions. The record-low crime rate provides a crucial assurance to the hundreds of thousands of expected attendees—both domestic and foreign—that their pilgrimage and celebration will occur in a secure environment. It enables tourists to comfortably explore beyond Kalibo, experiencing the wider festival culture across Aklan’s towns.

A Collaborative Security Model

Provincial officials credit the success to the strengthened alliance between the Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) and the Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU). This partnership has moved beyond reactionary measures, focusing on preventative community engagement and integrated safety planning. Resources have been allocated not only for enforcement but also for training, modernized equipment, and campaigns promoting public vigilance and cooperation.

Positioning for the Future

With the official PNP data in hand, Aklan’s tourism and security boards are positioned to market the province with a powerful, evidence-based message: unmatched beauty and culture are now coupled with verified safety. The narrative shifts from mere promotion to a substantiated promise of a secure visitor experience.

This security achievement is seen as a foundational investment. As Aklan prepares for the influx of visitors for the 2026 festivals and beyond, the established climate of order and safety is expected to enhance visitor satisfaction, encourage longer stays, and promote positive word-of-mouth—solidifying Aklan’s status not just as a place to visit, but as a safe place to return to.