PNP beefs up security in Mimaropa amid US travel advisory on Palawan

The Mimaropa regional police office on Wednesday said it has beefed up its security in the area, particularly in Palawan, following the travel advisory issued by the United States Embassy in Manila.

In a statement, the PRO Mimaropa said regional director Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor "immediately ordered his men to even more stepped up on their security measures" upon the issuance of the US Embassy.

The US Embassy issued on Tuesday a travel warning on Palawan province, including Puerto Princesa City and "areas surrounding the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park."

The regional office said it was already on heightened alert before the travel advisory to assure the safety of the public during the summer months when local and foreign tourists are expected to flock the region's famous beaches.

Meanwhile, the statement said the police has been in close coordination with intelligence groups on how the PRO can enhance its security measures if the terror threat is validated.

"Police Regional Office MIMAROPA is in close coordination with other intelligence groups especially with the Western Command based in Palawan and is continuously conducting intensified information gathering and operations to enhance the security posture of the region on any possible terrorist attack," it said.

The PRO vowed it will conduct more stringent checkpoints and improve police visibility in major chokepoints not just in Palawan but across the region.

"Likewise, maximum deployment of personnel in all tourist destinations, points of convergence and vital establishments is being observed to thwart any possible enemy attack and other nefarious activities by any criminal group," the PRO added.

The statement also encouraged the public to remain calm, exercise vigilance, and help the government in ensuring the safety and security of the region by immediately reporting any suspicious activity they see.

Nonetheless, the PRO said the Mimaropa region is "generally peaceful and both local and foreign tourists are safe to visit its beautiful tourist destinations."

The Philippine National Police said it was validating the US Embassy's "credible information" that terrorists are planning to kidnap foreigners in Palawan province.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command, meanwhile, posted a statement assuring the public and tourists that Palawan is safe.  —Joseph Tristan Roxas/NB, GMA News