DOT forges deal with PNP, PDEA to heighten security in PH tourist spots

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has signed a partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to tighten security measures in tourist spots nationwide, following the department’s anticipation of more tourist arrivals due to the country’s eased COVID-19 restrictions.

Under the newly-signed program, the DOT said that the three agencies will work together and provide assistance to ensure the continued protection, safety, and security of travelers visiting DOT-designated tourist areas.

READ: DOT inks partnership with PNP, PDEA to beef up security in tourist destinations

“We welcome this latest collaboration with our country’s police force and drug enforcement agency in an aim to provide greater deterrence and protection against the illicit trafficking of dangerous drugs in tourist destinations,” DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement on Wednesday.

Under the PDEA-led assistance desk, the agency will focus on aiding drug-related concerns of tourists and will deploy appropriate manpower to the program’s centers in DOT-identified tourist destinations, the department said.

In addition, PDEA will spearhead an education campaign on the Drug-Free Workplace Program and assist the PNP and local government units in anti-illegal drug operations.

As of March 9, roughly 76,736 international arrivals to the Philippines were recorded since COVID-19 restrictions were eased in February, DOT data revealed.

Of this total, 43,249 were foreign tourists, while 33,487 were balikbayans (returning Filipinos). Jericho Zafra, INQUIRER.net intern

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