PNP chief orders tighter security at tourist spots

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Saturday said he has ordered tighter security at popular tourist spots across the country following the deadly bomb attack in Davao City.

Dela Rosa said he had ordered an increased police visibility patrols and intensified intelligence gathering of possible plans to attack tourist spots.

"Our tourists should be safe and secure. I am going around the country because I have to see that our police are really doing their sworn mandate in line with the declaration of State of National Emergency," said Dela Rosa in his visit at the MIMAROPA regional police headquarters during the Police Service Anniversary.

"So this is what I am trying to emphasize, if it is mere bombing outside highly-urbanized areas, it would have very little impact but if it involves foreigners then it would be a different story," he added.

Dela Rosa issued the order following the deadly bomb attack in Davao City which killed 14 people and injured at least 70 others.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of national emergency hours after the blast in his home city.

Dela Rosa added that aside from warding off possible bomb attacks, the tightened security measures also aim to prevent kidnappings.

"For instance, Palawan and the rest of the Region 4B (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) has so many tourist spots, yet, there is also a history of kidnapping in Palawan," said Dela Rosa.

Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, director of the MIMAROPA regional police, said that they had immediately implemented additional security measures after the Davao City blast.

He vowed that the police force in MIMAROPA are ensuring that terror and criminal groups would not be given any chance to strike. —ALG, GMA News