Pangilinan questions deployment of security force to Boracay

Where are the terrorists or invaders in Boracay?

Sen. Francis Pangilinan questioned on Thursday the government’s deployment of some 600 policemen, soldiers, coast guard personnel, firemen, and civic groups to Boracay to secure the resort island when there are no terrorists or invaders in the area.

“Boracay island is a tourist destination with a long coastline of soft, white sand beach. It is not a conflict area or a war zone,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

The Senator noted the contrast between the deployment of hundreds of government security personnel to Boracay and government’s timid response to China’s activities in areas that fall under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

China landed a military transport plane on Mischief Reef and built a monument on Fiery Cross Reef to mark its construction activities there, but the government’s response was a “meek submission,” according to the Senator.

“It is a shame that the administration is deploying the military, police, and the coast guard in Boracay while China has been blatantly trespassing in our territory and disrespecting our sovereignty,” he said.

Pangilinan added that the actual threat in Boracay is the government because it ordered a shutdown of the resort island without a plan for the thousands of workers who stand to lose their jobs.

“It is ironic that the government can express so much love to China’s President Xi Jinping but can’t be bothered to provide jobs for the displaced Boracay workers,” he added. /ee