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Negros Oriental cops prep for expected tourist surge due to Boracay closure
DUMAGUETE CITY — Negros Oriental's police force is preparing for an expected increase in tourist arrivals to the province when Boracay Island closes for a six-month rehabilitation period starting on April 26.
All 25 police chiefs from all over the province gathered in this city Wednesday to discuss their preparations at a meeting led by Governor Roel Degamo and Police Provincial Director Edwin Portento.
"Thriving 'yung tourism sa province and we need to take care of that. I expect full cooperation from all of you," Portento told the police chiefs.
Police visibility is set to be heightened in cities and towns where there are well-known tourist attractions, such as Dauin, Dumaguete City, Manjuyod, Sibulan, and Bais City.
Degamo made special mention of Dauin, Bais City, and Manjuyod towns, as the famous diving spot Apo Island and the Manjuyod Sand Bar are in their respective jurisdictions.
Other famous attractions expected to be filled with tourists include Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete and the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Sibulan town.
He also noted that there has been a significant increase of tourists in the province in the past two months, from 17.9 percent to 24.9 percent.
"And [that] will continue to increase because Boracay will be closed [soon]. Naay mga tourist diversions nga moari gyud [may mga tourist diversion na pupunta talaga rito] sa Negros Oriental, because there are tourists who love to go diving, and we have the best diving spots in the world, especially Dauin and Apo Island," he said.
In an interview with GMA News Online, the governor said that he has also mandated the Joint Task Force Leon Kilat to continue its heightened monitoring to ensure that there are no "threats of terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other forms of violence" in Negros Oriental, as the number of tourists coming to the province is expected to be at its peak.
Degamo further told police chiefs that he is ready to support their stations in any way he can to maintain peace and order. "I will encourage also the mayors to support. Implement what you think is best for your locality," he added.
The governor's meeting with police chiefs is set to be held every two months, to ensure that the provincial government is updated with the peace and order issues in each city and town in Negros Oriental. — BM, GMA News
