Boracay braces for Apec

SECURITY preparations for Apec are in place not only for terror threats, but also to keep off protesters like this woman at a rally against Apec in Clark in Pampanga province. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

BACOLOD CITY—Tourists bound for Boracay should brace for body checks and thorough luggage inspection as authorities tighten security in the world-famous island resort and other places in Aklan and Negros Occidental that would host meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec).

At least 3,000 policemen from the Western Visayas office of the Philippine National Police were tapped for duty to secure delegates from 21 countries who are taking part in the Apec meetings, according to Chief Supt. Josephus Angan, Western Visayas PNP director.

Angan said all regional police units had been on high alert and all leaves had been cancelled since April 23.

While Western Visayas is generally peaceful, Angan said police could not afford to be complacent in security preparations as they aim for a target of zero major crime in the region during the Apec meetings.

In Boracay alone, at least 2,000 additional policemen would be on duty for preparations for Apec meetings that would be held there from May 10-24, according to Senior Insp. Frenzy Andrade, head of the Boracay police force.

The meetings are expected to be attended by at least 5,000 Apec delegates. Two major Apec conferences are scheduled in Boracay—the Second Senior Officials’ and related meetings on May 10-21 and the meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade on May 23-24.

Andrade said the additional policemen are necessary not only because of the Apec meetings, but also because Boracay is visited every day by 3,000-5,000 tourists.

The additional policemen would augment the 101-man Boracay police force.