An additional 117 police personnel were added to the existing 26 tourist police deployed in Cebu province yesterday.
The 117 tourist police will be deployed in tourist destinations in Cebu to augment the 26 tourist police personnel assigned in Malapascua, Moalboal and Bantayan Island three years ago.
The deployment was done in time for the Holy Week observance where a steady stream of locals and foreigners are expected to flock to hotels and beaches.
The creation of the task force was ordered by Camp Crame in Quezon City in accordance with RA 9195 Tourist Act of 2005, which requires the police to provide tourist security.
“The tourist police are not just law enforcers but ambassadors of goodwill to visitors as well,” said Chief Supt. Samuel Yordan, Police Regional Office (PRO-7) director.
Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, Cebu provincial police chief, said he “wants to make Cebu security second to none.”
“The DOT (Department of Tourism) dares to say choose Philippines. I dare to say choose Cebu and we’ll take care of you,” Comendador said.
Sunshine industry
Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, chairperson of the Tourism Committee of the Cebu Provincial Board Cebu, said the tourist police is a “dream come true for Cebu tourism.”
She said Cebu “has become one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines” and the creation of the task force is timely.
The new tourist police, who will be grouped in six to 10 members, sport a polo shirt and shorts for their uniform.
Comendador said the attire would be “convenient” and “comfortable as they will be mostly assigned in beaches while some will be on board a bicycle while on duty.
In Cebu City, Mayor Michael Rama reminded the police not to disregard commercial establishments as they focus on church security for the Holy Week activities.
“When Lenten season comes, there is a tendency for lowering of guards. But the police cannot do that,” he said. The mayor reminded the police to maintain police visibility in the city./UP Intern Peter L. Romanillos with Doris Bongcac and Correspondent Chito Aragon